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THE 



LIFE AND CHARACTER 



JOHI PAUL JONES, 



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THE ^ 

LIFE AND CHARACTER 



OF 



JOHN PAUL JONES, 



A CAPTAIN IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY. 



DURING THE 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



BY JOHN HENRY SHERBURNE, 

u 

Author of " The European Tourist's Guide ;" " Naval Sketches ;" " Erratic Poems ;" " Etiqu«tt« ,*' 
"Osceola, a Tragedy;" "John Adams's Administration, from 1797 to ISOl," Ac, &c. 



^^ Spectemur ape?irfo."— Let us be tried by our actions. 



SECOND EDITION 



NEW YORK: 

ADRIANCE, SHERMAN & CO., PUBLISHERS, 

NO. 2 ASTOR HOUSE. 

M DCC CLI. 






Entered according; to Act of Congrce?, m the year 1851, by 

ADRIANCE, SHERMAN & Co., 

In the Clerk'e Office of the Dietrict Court for llie Southern District of New Ycrlt. 



R, Craighead, Printer and Stereoti/per, 
112 Fulton street J New ForA. 



TO THE 

I^nnnrntilr IVnllinni JL dprnjjnin, 

SECRETARY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY, 

THIS HISTORICAL NAVAL WORK, 

FROM THE 

IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, 

AS A SLIGHT TRIBUTE ' TO HIS TALENTS AS A STATESMAN', AS WELL AS THE 
ESTEEM AND HIGH REGARDS OF 

THE AUTHOR. 



LETTEES 

From the late President Thomas Jefferson^ President James 
Madison^ Judge Story, of the TJ. 8. Sujyreme Court, the 
late Mathew Carey, Esq., of Philadelphia, and the Hon. 
William, A. Graham, Secretary of the JV^avy, to the 
Author, relative to Paul Jones. 

Monticello, February 14, 1825. 
Dear Sir, 

During my residence in Paris, I was much acquainted witii Commodore John 
Paul Jones, whose Hfe you propose to write, and had much to do with him ; yet my 
memory is so decayed that from that source I can furnish you nothing worth a place 
in his history. I believe I cannot better comply with your request than by sending 
you all the papers relating to him in my possession. His letters to me, which arc 
many, will probably throw some lights, which you may not possess, on his occupa- 
tion during that period. His death happened after I left Paris, and I presume you 
know that the National Assembly, then sitting, expressed their respect for him by 
wearing mourning. I shall be glad if what I furnish may add anythmg to the 
establishment of that/a/ne which he truly merited. 

Be pleased to accept for yourself the assurance of my great respect, 

THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



Montpelier, April 28, 1825. 

Dear Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 23d instant, inclosing a copy of your 
prospectus of a biography of John Paul Jones. The subject you have chosen for 
your pen, gives you an opportunity of doing justice to an individual whose heroism 
will fill a brilliant page in the history of the American Revolution. 

I am sorry it is not in my power to add to the materials you have derived from 
other sources. I must regret, also, that my personal acquaintance with Captain 
Jones was so slight and transient, that I ought not to attempt a view of his 
character. His bust, by Houdon, is an exact likeness ; pourtraying well the 
characteristic features stamped on the countenance of the original. 

Whenever you may find it convenient to make the visit to Mrs. Madison and 
myself, as recommended by your father and your uncle. Governor John Langdon, 
our welcome of you will be the more cordial, as it will at the same time manifest 
our friendly recollections of both of them. 

With our respects and good wishes, 

JAMES MADISON. 

Col. John H. Sherburne, 
Washington City. 



X COKRESPONDENCE. 

Washington City, February 17, 1825. 
Dear Sir, 

General La Fayette not having your address, has sent me the papers herewith 
inclosed, relative to Captain John Paul Jones, requesting them to be delivered to you. 

Yours, very respectfully, 

JOSEPH STORY. 



Lettkr from the late ]\fathew Carey, Esq., to the Author, expressing his 
great astonishment and agreeable surprise in reading the " Life of 
Paul Jones," whom he always tliought to be a freebooter in the 
American Revolution, until reading the documentary history of the 
hero's Hfe. 

Philadelphia, November 25, 1825. 

My DEAR Sir, 

I have read with intense interest your " Life of John Paul Jones," and it 
must be regarded as a valuable national object, placing, as it does, in strong relief, 
the shining qualities of this hero, not only as a naval cominander, but as a profound 
politician. The latter quality appears clearly and distinctly in various parts of his 
correspondence, wherein are developed views of the proper policy of this country, 
which are worthy of the first statesmen that sat in the Congress of 1774 and 1775, 
men never exceeded in the annals of the world for sagacity, patriotism, and public 
spirit. 

No man has been the subject of more gross and shocking abuse, and none of those 
who have distinguished themselves in the Revolution were so little known as he has 
been to the nation to whose service he devoted all the energies of his magnanimous 
soul. I confess, for one, I always regarded Paul Jones as very few degrees above a 
freebooter, who, in the prospect of plunder, was reckless of his life. I am now 
thoroughly undeceived, and consider him as deserving a conspicuous rank among 
the most illustrious of those heroes and statesmen who not only formed a wreath 
around the brow of this country, but secured her a prouder destiny than ever fell to 
the lot of any other portion of mankind. The lion-like courage of Paul Jones was 
by no means the first of his qualities. Candor obliges me to say that the mechanical 
execution of the work is far from being worthy of the subject, which I presume you 
will remedy in a second edition, which, for the honor of the country, I hope will 
meet with encouragement. 

Yours very truly, &e., 

MATHEW CAREY. 
Col. John H. Sherburne, ^ 
Register of the Navy Department, > 
Washington City. ) 



Navy Department, March 27, 1851. 
Sir, 

I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th 



COKRESPONDENCE. XI 

instant, accompanying the steel engraving of the head of that model of naval heroes, 
John Paul Jones. 

The accessories with which it is embellished are highly appropriate and instructive ; 
and I doubt not the whole picture will be esteemed a valuable addition to the work 
it is intended to illustrate. 

I am, sir, with high respect, 

Your ob't servant. 



Col. John H. Sherburne, 
2 Aslor House, New York. 



WILLIAM A. GRAHAM, 

Secretary of the Navy. 



INTRODUCTION. 



It is in the revolutions of empires that truly great men make 
themselves known. In the tranquil scenes of peace the human 
intellect, with little excitement, and without a grand object, is 
inert, exhausted in common pursuits, or wastes itself in placid 
contemplation, or in the pleasures of life. When powerful 
sentiments animate the heart, and enlightened views direct u^ 
to the attainment of benefits calculated to secure the freedom, 
happiness, and prosperity of the human race, the soul expands, 
the mental faculties assume their natural proportion and 
energy, and, in defiance of the artificial distinctions of society, 
genius and talents, however originally obscure, burst from 
concealment, shine with resplendent lustre, and manifest 
themselves in actions which command the esteem and 
admiration of the world. The history of all nations, ancient 
as well as modern, attests the truth of this assertion; and 
France, in particular, within the last thirty-five years, furnishes 
proof in abundance, that whatever distinctions are created by 
systems of social order, in behalf of birth and fortune, nature 
distributes her favors without regard to wealth or rank. 

Of all the political revolutions, the incidents of which are 
recorded in the annals of nations, that of the British American 
Colonies was the most daring and manly. In other instances, 
the poverty of an exchequer, the feebleness of a sovereign or 
ministry, or the derangement of public afiairs, has been seized 



XIV INTKODtrcnON. 

upon as affording a favorable opportunity for emancipation 
and independence. But in that of the British American 
Colonies, the people vindicated their rights, and contended for 
their liberties, when Great Britain was the preponderating 
power of Europe ; when she had men of the first capacity in 
the cabinet, illustrious warriors in the field, a navy which 
defied the fleets of all other powers, and pecuniary resources 
over which her treasury had unlimited control. Notwith- 
standing these prodigious advantages, the people of the 
Colonies did not hesitate to remonsti-ate, to resist encroach- 
ments, and finally to appeal to arms. They did not disguise 
from themselves the fearful odds of such an encounter, but 
relying on the justice of their cause, on the Divine protection, 
and on the intelligence of their community, they firmly 
supported their claims, triumphed over the formidable arma- 
ments of Great Britain, and established their title to 
unrestricted sovereignty, with a courage and a constancy which 
have been acknowledged and apj)lauded in every quarter of 
the globe. 

The generous devotion which the people of the colonies 
exhibited in the cause of freedom, attracted the sympathy of 
patriotic and liberal minds in France, in Germany, and even 
in Scotland, England, and Ireland, from which the united 
Colonies derived a vast moral force. Lidividuals from each of 
those counties resorted to the standard of America, previously, 
as well as subsequently to the declaration of independence. 
The Marquis de la Fayette, the Barons Steuben and De Kalb, 
General Montgomery, and Lord Stirling, are names familiar to 
the ears of the Fathers of the Be volution and their descendants. 
To these may be added that of John Baul Jones, whose 
chivalric spirit and undaunted valor, whose active disposition 
and nautical skill were themes of eulogy at the court of 
Yersailles, matter of astonishment and jealousy to that of 



INTEODUCTION. XV 

London, and whose reputation and renown spread terror on 
the seas, and along the shores of Great Britain and Ireland. 

The naval strength of the British Empire being pre-eminent, 
the efforts to be made by America on the ocean, were 
proportionally more difficult and dangerous than those on the 
land, which, nevertheless, were sufficiently arduous. The 
services of John Paid Jones, consequently, were highly 
valuable ; and it will be found, in the succeeding pages, that 
Congress duly appreciated them. He was an experienced 
navigator, and had an exactness of penetration which enabled 
him, almost instinctively, to discriminate between what was 
merely of doubtful execution, and what was wholly impracti- 
cable. Hence he was generally successful in his enterprises, 
scarcely ever failing in an undertaking or expedition, unless 
through the jealousy or disobedience of others, or the 
inclemency of the weather. 

The labors of John Paul Jones for the furtherance of the 
American cause, were incessant. Whether in port or at sea, 
he was indefatigable. He had a genius prone to adventure, 
and of all the naval commanders of that day, he planned and 
executed, both in America and in Europe, the most annoying 
expeditions against the enemy. Such was his intrepidity that 
he was appalled by no peril, however great, and his presence 
of mind never forsook him, even in the most sudden and 
extraordinary emergencies. No one was more deeply embued 
with a conviction of the vital consequences of the contest to 
mankind, and no person felt a more honest zeal for its 
successful issue. His correspondence evinces that he foresaw 
the glorious destinies of the new American nation, even whilst 
it was struggling into, existence. He was not in the least 
tainted with the vice of avarice ; and, with him, money was 
imiformly a consideration secondary to the promotion of the 
public welfare. Tenacious of the rights of those under his 



Xn INTRODUCTION. 

command, and as just as he was generous, he enjoyed the 
friendship and favor of men of probity and honor everywhere. 
He was not merely countenanced, but caressed at the French 
court, and kings, nobles, ministers, and ladies of fashion and 
influence did not hesitate to reward and sustain him for his 
brilliant exertions against the marine of England, and her 
commerce. 

The character of John Paul Jones has been much misrepre- 
sented by those who have heretofore undertaken to write his 
life. They have, for the most part, depicted him as a plunderer, 
a pirate, cruel and unprincipled. The venal British press and 
British antipathies have been the source of his defamation. 
The present work, written from authentic documents, will 
redeem his name from the odium hitherto cast upon it. An 
attentive perusal will satisfy the reader that he was a man of 
close observation, of profound reflection, and that his style is 
that of an individual of good ordinary English education, 
which, indeed, is common to the youth of all classes in 
Scotland. His correspondence indicates plain sense, without 
affectation ; and, in some passages, it will be discovered that 
he was not altogether deficient in the sentimental and more 
refined species of writing. His character, in truth, had a cast 
of the romantic in it, which gives to the history of his life a 
most interesting and agreeable complexion. As one of our 
earliest naval heroes, he merits the respect and veneration of 
every citizen of the United States ; and the statesman and 
politician, as well as the ofiicers and seamen of our gallant 
navy, will discover in the incidents of his eventful career, 
illustrations of occurrences in our revolutionary war, which 
may enlighten their judgments, and furnish an example 
worthy of imitation. 



THE 



IIFE AND CHARACTER 



JOHN PAUL JONES. 



John Paul Joj^es was the son of Mr. John Paul, a respect- 
able gardener. He was born at Arbigland, in the parish of 
Kirbean, and stewartry of Kirkcudbright, in the month of July, 
1747, and received the rudiments of his education at the paro- 
chial school. The contiguity of his residence to the shore of the 
Solway Firth, inspired him with an early predilection for a sea- 
faring life ; and while yet a mere child, he hoisted his flag on 
board his mimic ship, and issued audible mandates to his 
imaginary officers and crew, with all the consequence of a 
legitimate commander. ]^or was he content with this. As his 
skill in manoeuvring improved, he ventured to criticise the 
nautical knowledge of practical sailors ; and in the eager and 
confident tone with which, from the eminence on which he took 
his station, he thundered forth his orders to the vessels which 
were entering the port at Carse-thorn, might be remarked the 
ardent and enterprising mind of one who felt that he was bom 
to future command. 

His partiality to a sailor's life was so determined that his 
fi'iends resolved to indulge it ; and accordingly, at the age of 
twelve, he was sent across the Firth to Whitehaven, where he 



10 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

was boTmd apprentice to Mr. Younger, a respectable merchant 
in the American trade. His lirst voyage was made on board 
the Friendship, Captain Benson. His course was steered for 
the Kappahannoc, and before he had completed his thirteenth 
year, he landed on the shores of that country which he was 
destined to adopt as his own. His home, while the shi^) was in 
port, was the house of an elder brother, who, having married a 
native of Virginia, had previously settled there. Here his early 
prepossessions in favor of America were confirmed, and from 
that period it had become the country of his fond election. 

Our adventm'er, being at length freed from the trammels of 
apprenticeship, made several voyages to foreign ports, and in 
the year 1773, again went to Virginia to arrange the affairs of 
his brother, who had died there without leaving any family ; 
and about this time, in addition to his original surname, he 
assumed the imtronyiniG of Jones, his father's christian-name 
having been John. This custom, which is of classical authority, 
has long been prevalent in Wales, and in various other coun- 
tries, although it is not practised in that ]3art of the island in 
which he was born. 

This visit revived and riveted the attachment which young 
Paul Jones had conceived for America ; and in spite of the 
native ardor and restless activity of his mind, he resolved to 
withdraw from the vicissitudes of a sea-faring life, to fix his 
residence in the country, and to devote the remainder of his 
days to retirement and study. He was little aware of the 
turbulent scenes in which he was soon to perform a part, nor of 
the conspicuous figure he was to make in them. 

The discontents of the colonists had by this time occasioned 
much commotion, and their murmm-s became daily deeper and 
more frequent, till at last they broke off all connexion with the 
parent country. Towards the latter part of the year 1775, it 
was determined by Congress to fit out a naval force to assist in 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 11 

the defence of American independence, and an anxious search 
was made for friends to the cause who should be at once able 
and willing to act as officers on board then- A^essels.' It now 
appeared that Jones had, in his romantic schemes of tranquil 
enjoyment, falsely estimated the natural bent of his genius. 
With deep interest he had watched the progress of those 
political events which were to decide the fate of his adopted 
country ; and, when an open resistance was made to the domi- 
nion of Britain, he could no longer remain an inactive spectator. 
Having only just completed his twenty-eighth year, he was fidl 
of bodily vigor and of mental energy, and he conceived that his 
nautical skill would qualify him to be a distinguished assertor 
of the rights of the colonists. He was appointed, on the 22d of 
December, 1T75, first lieutenant of the Alfred, and on board 
that vessel, before Philadelphia, he hoisted the flag of 
independent America with his own hands, the jvrst time it was 
ever displayed.^ 

The following resolution, taken fi-om the Jom-nals of Congress, 
verifies the fact of his having been one among the first of those 
who were selected to vindicate the rights of the country at sea : 

In Congress, 22d Dec. 1775. 

Resolved, That the following naval ofBcere be appointed : 

Ezek. Hopkins, Esq., Commander-in-Chief of the fleet. 

Dudley Saltonstall, Captain of the Alfred. 

Abraham Whipple, " Columbus. 

Nicholas Biddle, " Andrew Doria. 

John B. Hopkins, " Cabot. 

Is^ Lieutenants, — John Paul Jones, Rhodes Arnold, Stansbury, 

Hersted Hacker, Jonathan Pitcher. 

2d Lieutenants, — Benjamin Seabuiy, Joseph Olney, Ehsha Warner, 
Thomas Weaver, McDougall. 

* The account of Jones, thus far, has been taken from the Edinburgh Encyclopedia, 
and as the author learned from the late Mr. Lowden, the nephew of Jones, was 
written from the lips of Mr. Lowden's mother for that work by Dr. Duncan, of 
Dumfries, Scotland. 



12 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

3d Lieutenants, — John Fanning, Ezekiel BuiTOUghs, Daniel Vaughan. 
Resolved, That the pay of the commander-in-chief of the fleet be one 
hundred and twenty-five dollars per month. 

Some time was necessary to the equij)ment of the fleet, but 
the subjoined extract of a letter written by Lieut. Jones to the 
Hon. Mr. Hewes, then an influential member of Congress from 
ISTorth Carolina, demonstrates that the newly appointed officers 
were not idle. They received their commissions the latter part 
of December, 1775, and on the lYth of the succeeding February 
they put to sea : 

" When I undertook to write you an account of our proceedings in the 
fleet, I did not imagine that I should have been so stinted in point of time : 
I owed you a much earlier account ; but since our arrival here, the repairs 
and business of the ship have required my constant attention. I will 
endeavor to be more punctual hereafter ; in the meanwhile, hope you will 
excuse this omission till I can account for it personally. I pass over what 
was prior to our arrival at the Capes of Delaware — where we were met 
by the Hornet sloop, and Wasp schooner, from Maryland. 

" On the 1 7th of February, the fleet put to sea with a smart northeast 
wind. In the night of the 19th (the gale having increased), we lost 
company with the Hornet and Fly, tender. We steered to the southward, 
without seeing a single sail or meeting with anything remarkable, till the 
1st of March, when we anchored at Abaco, one of the Bahama Islands, 
having previously brought to a couple of New Providence sloops to take 
pilots out of them. By these people we were informed that there was a 
large quantity of powder, with a number of cannon, in the two forts of 
New Providence. In consequence of this intelligence the marines and 
landsmen, to the number of 300 and upwards, under the command of 
Captain Nicholas, were embarked in the two sloops. It Avas determined 
that they should keep below deck until the sloops were got in close to the 
fort, and they were then to land instantly and take possession before the 
island could be alarmed. This, however, was rendered abortive, as the 
forts fired an alarm on the approach of our fleet. We then ran in, and 
anchored at a small key three leagues to windward of the town, and from 
thence the Commodore despatched the marines, with the sloop Providence 
and schooner Wasp to cover their landing. They landed without opposi- 
tion, and soon took possession of the eastern garrison, which, after firing a 
few shot, the islanders abandoned. The next morning the marines marched 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 13 

for the town, and were met by a messenger fi-om the governor, who told 
Captain Nicholas, that ' the western garrison (Fort Nassau) was ready for 
his reception, and that he might march his force in as soon as he pleased.' 
This was etfected without firing a gun on our side — but the governor had 
sent off 150 barrels of powder the night before. Enclosed you have an 
inventory of the cannon, stores, &c., which we brought off in the fleet. 
We continued at New Providence till the lYth ult., and then brought off. 
the governor and two more gentlemen prisoners. Our course was now 
directed back for the continent, and, after meeting with much bad weather, 
on the 5th inst., off Block Island, we took the Hawke schooner, of six 
guns, one of Capt. Wallace's tenders, and the bomb brig Bolton, of eight 
guns and two howitzers. The next morning we fell in with the Glasgow 
man-of-war, and a hot engagement ensued, the particulars of which I 
cannot communicate better than by extracting the minutes which I entered 
on the Alfred's log-book. I have the pleasure of assuring you that the 
commander-in-chief is respected through the fleet, and I verily believe 
that the officers and men, in general, would go any length to execute his 
ordere." 

The same letter contains some excellent observations on tlie 
com1;esy which ought to prevail among the officers of the navy. 
Lieutenant Jones remarks : — 

" It is certainly for the interest of the service that a cordial interchange 
of civilities should subsist between superior and inferior officers ; and, 
therefore, it is bad pohcy in superiors to behave towards their inferiors 
indiscriminately, as though they were of a lower species. Men of liberal 
minds, who have been long accustomed to command, can ill brook being 
thus set at nought by others who pretend to claim the monopoly of 
sense. The rude, ungentle treatment which they experience, creates such 
heartburnings as are nowise consonant Avith that cheerful ardor and spirit 
which ought ever to be the characteristic of an officer ; and, therefore, 
whoever thinks liimself hearty in the service, is widely mistaken when he 
adopts such a line of conduct in order to prove it, for to be well obeyed, 
it is necessary to be esteemed." 

He then adds : — 

" The fleet ha-ving been reinforced with two hundred men lent from the 
army, is now in condition for another enterprise, and we expect to embrace 
the first wind for Ehode Island, where I hope we shall meet with better 



14: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

success, as we understand that the Scarborough is now there. It is 
proposed to clean the ships at Providence, Rhode Island, so that our 
detention there will admit of a return of letters from Philadelphia." 

The annexed is the memorandum of the engagement with 
the Glasgow, referred to in a preceding extract. 

"At 2 A.M. cleared ship for action. At half past two, the Cabot, 
being between us and the enemy, began to engage, and soon after we did 
the same. At the third glass the enemy bore away, and, by crowding 
sail, at length got a considerable way ahead, made signals for the rest of 
the Enghsh fleet at Rhode Island to come to her assistance, and steered 
directly for the harbor. The Commodore then thought it imprudent to 
risk om- prizes, &c. by pursuing farther ; therefore, to prevent our being 
decoyed into their hands, at half past six made the signal to leave off 
chase and haul by the wmd to join our prizes. The Cabot was disabled 
at the second broadside. The captain being dangerously wounded, the 
master and several men killed. The enemy's whole fire was then directed 
at us, and an milucky shot having carried away our wheel-block and 
ropes, the ship broached to, and gave the enemy an opportunity of raking 
us with several broadsides before we were again in condition to steer the 
ship and return the fire. In the action we received several shot under 
water, which made the ship very leaky ; we had besides the mainmast 
shot through, and the upper works and rigging very considerably 
damaged ; yet it is surprising that we only lost the second lieutenant of 
marines and four men, one of whom (Martin Gillingwater), a midshipman, 
prisoner, who was in the cockpit, and had been taken in the bomb brig 
Bolton yesterday ; we had no more than three men dangerously and four 
shghtly wounded." 

Notwithstanding the success of the enterprise against New 
Providence, and the alacrity expressed in the letter of Lieut. 
Jones, of the lith of April, 1776, for a new expedition, the 
squadron was not in a condition to put to sea again imme- 
diately. The seamen were afflicted with sickness, after their 
retm-n to the continent. Nearly a month had elapsed before 
the Andrew Doria and Cabot could be prepared for another 
cruize, which they were to undertake in company, for four 
weeks, from Rhode Island. The Alfred and Columbus could 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 15 

not be fullj manned for want of men. It became necessary to 
enlist seamen, and this was difficult, as nnmbers of them had 
been enrolled for the army. In a letter from Lieut. Jones to 
the Honorable Mr. Hewes, dated at New York, the 19th of 
May, 1776, he represents that "the seamen, almost to a man, 
had entered into the army before the fleet was set on foot ; and I 
am well informed that there are four or five thousand seamen 
now in the land service." This class of persons, always 
amongst the most patriotic, had been thrown out of employment 
at the commencement of general hostilities with Great Britain, 
and promptly resorted to the standard of their country imder 
General Washington, until arrangements could be made by 
Congress for giving more scope to their energies on the element 
to which they had been accustomed. 

The difficulty of procuring seamen was not the only one 
which the infant American navy had to encounter. The 
unfortunate engagement with the Glasgow produced consi- 
derable dissatisfaction, and occasioned unfavorable reflections 
to be cast on the officers of the fleet. Although the behavior 
of Lieut. Jones was not particularly called in question, he 
evidently felt very sensibly the severity of the common 
animadversions, as every man of spirit and honor necessarily 
would have felt in a similar situation. Writing on this topic to 
the Honorable Mr. Hewes, he remarked that his " feelings as 
an individual were hurt by the censm-es that had been indiscri- 
minately thrown out. My station," he observes, "confined 
me to the Alfred's lower gun-deck, where I commanded during 
the action ; yet, though the commander's letter, which has 
been published, says, ' all the officers in the Alfred behaved 
well,' still the jDublic blames me among others for not taking 
the enemy. But a little consideration will place the matter in 
a true light; for no officer, under a superior, who does not 
stand charged, by that superior, for cowardice or misconduct, 



16 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

can be blamed on any occasion whatever." lie wrote to Mr. 
Hewes, " I wish a general inquiry might be made respecting 
the abilities of officers in all stations, and then the country 
would not be cheated." Whilst it must be admitted that the 
expression of these sentiments does credit to Lieut. Jones, it may 
be noted that the dissatisfaction manifested by the public at the 
failure of om- squadron to capture the Glasgow, was, perhaps, 
nothing more than the effect of that disappointment, which, in 
every community, is experienced on the want of success in any 
combat, military or naval. Victory, whether the result of 
skill or accident, is sure to be applauded, whilst discomfiture or 
defeat, let it proceed from what cause it may, is uniformly 
regarded with coldness, if not with condemnation. Lieut. 
Jones, being a subordinate officer, and having no imputation 
cast upon him by the Commodore, was in no manner respon- 
sible for the operations of the squadron, and, imder all the 
circumstances incident to the action with the Glasgow, her 
escape is to be ascribed more to the necessity of preserving the 
young colonial navy for future and greater services than to any 
want of capacity or valor in the officers. Two Com-ts Martial 
were held on board the Alfred. The consequence of the second 
one, as far as it afiected Lieut. Jones, was an order for him to 
take command of the sloop Providence, on the 10th of May, 
1776- Li this armed vessel he arrived at N'ew York, on the 
18th of that month, after a passage of thirty-six hours from 
Rhode Island, with a return of upwards of one hundred men, 
besides officers, which General Washington had lent to the fleet 
at New London. At New York he applied himself to the 
shipping of mariners. 

Tlie navy of America had just been brought into existence. 
Hank, and relative duties, both superior and inferior, were 
to be established ; and these are not, in the freshness of any 
institution, easily regulated. Naval alid military officers are 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. IT 

justly tenacious of thek rights in this respect. The possession 
of these rights constitutes their reward for past exertion, and 
the hope of obtaining and exercising them is an excitement to 
further efforts. Until precise lines of distinction could be 
drawn, until the newly appointed officers could be habituated 
to urbanity in command, and submission in obedience, so 
essential to the maintenance of order and harmony, something 
of an acrimonious temper would creep in to impair the force of 
authority, and weaken the ties of social and official intercom-se. 
At the beginning of the revolution Congress were obliged to 
act with much wisdom and address in this particular, in relation 
to the station and advancement of officers in the army as well 
as in the navy. In the former, the controlling influence and 
equity of General "Washington smothered and conciliated many 
unpleasant diiferences. In the navy there was no individual 
of such unrivalled ascendancy. !N^ot but that all were willing 
to fight for their country ; but rank is an affair of personal 
honor, in which every one believes himself bound to sustain 
his claims. Lieut. Jones had an aspiring mind, which impelled 
him to seek promotion as a means of signalizing himself His 
opinion of the qualifications requisite in a naval commander, 
however, was not extravagant, and evinces nothing of an arbi- 
trary disposition. Writing to the Honorable Mr. Hewes, he 
tells him, " in my opinion, a commander in the navy ought to 
be a man of strong and well connected sense, with a tolerable 
education, a gentleman as well as a seaman, both in theory amd 
practice : for want of learning, and rude, ungentle manners 
are by no means characteristic of an officer." There is no 
officer of the navy of the present day, it is presumed, who will 
not concur in the propriety of this delineation of what is 
required in an accomplished naval commander. 

Lieut. Jones had been offered the command of the Fly, at 
Keedy Island, in the Delaware, previously to the sailing of the 

2 



18 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

expedition against the Bahamas, but declined it, considering 
her only as a paltry message boat, suitable for a midshipman. 
The command was then given to the lieutenant of the Cabot ; 
and upon this circumstance was founded a claim to priority 
unfavorable to Jones. The naval service, moreover, began to 
attract attention, and new applicants presented themselves for 
appointment. To the Honorable Mr. Hewes, Lieut. Jones 
unbosomed himself on this delicate subject. " There is little 
confidence to be placed in reports," said he in his letter of the 
19th of May, 1776, to that gentleman, "otherwise the 
lieutenants of the fleet might have reason to be uneasy when 
they are told that the several committees have orders to appoint 
all the officers for the new ships, except only the captains. I 
cannot think that they will be so far overlooked, who have at 
first stept forth, and shown at least a willingness : nor can I 
suppose that my o^vn conduct in the service will, in the esteem 
of the Congress, subject me to be superseded in favor of a 
younger officer, especially one who is said not to understand 
navigation." He then adverts to the proft'ered command 'of 
the Fly, and his refusal of it, and proceeds, — " On my 
appointment to the Providence I was indeed astonished to find 
my seniority questioned. The Commodore told me he must 
refer to the Congress. I have received no new commission. I 
wish the matter in dispute may be first cleared up. I will 
cheerfully abide by whatever you think is right. At the same 
time I am ready to have my pretensions inquired into by men 
who are judges. When I applied for a lieutenancy, I hoped, 
in that rank, to gain much useful knowledge from those of 
more experience than myself. I was, however, mistaken : for, 
instead of gaining information, I was obliged to inform others. 
I formed an exercise, and trained the men so well to the use of 
the great guns in the Alfred, that they went through the 
motions of broadsides and rounds as exactly as soldiers generally 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 19 

perform the manual exercise." This can scarcely be called 
egotism. Lieut. Jones was unsupported by family connexions 
in this country, and had to rely on his own merit and the 
disinterested patronage of members of Congress, and other 
eminent patriots, for promotion. It was, therefore, but simple 
justice to himself, whilst he submitted his pretensions to the 
test of inquuy, to speak of what he had already done of a 
useful natm-e to the service. 

On the 13th of Deceinber, 17Y5, Congress had directed that 
thirteen frigates should be built, which, by a resolution of the 
6th of June, 1776, were denominated the Congress, Randolph, 
Hancock, Washington, Trumbull, Raleigh, Effingham, Mont- 
gomery, Warren, Boston, Virginia, Providence, and Delaware. 
They were ordered to be constructed in diiferent ports of the 
colonies, and Lieut. Jones was anxious to obtain the command 
of one of them. " I should esteem myself happy," said he, in 
a letter to Mr. Hewes, " in being sent for to Philadelphia, to 
act under the more immediate direction of the Congress, 
especially in one of the new ships. The largest, and I think 
by far the best, of the frigates was launched the day after I left 
Providence ; but, from what I can learn, neither of them will 
equal the Philadelphia ships." His wishes, it appears, were 
not gratified. He was continued in the command of the 
Providence, which required heaving down, repairing and 
refitting, before she could proceed on another cruize. After 
he had procured as many men as were to be enlisted at New 
York, he was ordered back to Rhode Island for instructions. 

At what precise time Lieut. Jones sailed from thence in search 
of the enemy, is unlmown. He was employed for some time 
in escorting vessels from Rhode Island into the sound. He was 
then ordered to Boston, to take under convoy certain vessels 
laden with coal for Philadelphia. According to a letter which 
he wrote to the Honorable Robert Morris, dated on board the 



20 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Providence, at sea, on the 4th of September, 1YT6, it is 
manifest that he had been previously to that time, actively 
engaged in annoying the British trade, and it is believed that, 
at this time, he acted with unlimited instructions. That letter 
is remarkable on account of two passages in it ; one of which 
refers to some misfortune which had deeply afflicted him, but 
which he forbears to explain ; the other to the qualifications of 
the officers of the navy, and the relative rank of officers in the 
land and naval service. The former proves that he was a 
person of much sensibility and of correct feeling. The rank 
of the officers in the navy was still unsettled ; and Lieut. 
Jones, fearful that he might be superseded by his juniors, was 
anxious to remove every pretext for giving to another the 
precedence which he considered as due to himself. This 
motive, it is to be presumed, induced him to write to the 
Honorable Mr. Morris, in the following manner : " I conclude 
that Mr. Hewes has acquainted you with a very great 
misfortune which befel me some years ago, and which brought 
me into North America. I am under no concern whatever, 
that this, or any past circmstance of my life, will sink me in 
your opinion. Since human wisdom cannot secure us from 
accidents, it is the greatest effort of reason to bear them well." 
This is a judicious and philosophical reflection, and the effusion 
of no ordinary mind. The misfortune of which he speaks 
would not have implicated his moral character, or he would not 
have enjoyed the confidence and friendship of the Honorable 
Mr. Hewes, to whom, as Jones informed Mr. Morris, the 
particulars were known. 

On the other topic, concerning the capacity and relative 
rank of officers, Lieut. Jones displayed a laudable zeal for the 
improvement of the navy. His plan of a previous examination 
of officers is now actually in practice with the investigation 
of the proficiency of young midshipmen, which annually takes 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 21 

place. This passage of his letter to Mr. Morris is brief and to 
the purpose : — 

" As the regulations of the navy," he says, " are of the utmost 
consequence, you will not think it presumption, if, with the utmost 
diffidence, I venture to communicate to you such hints as, in my 
judgment, wiU promote its honor and good government. I could heartily 
wish that every commission officer was to be previously examined ; for, to 
my certain knowledge, there are persons who have already crept into 
commission without abilities or fit qualification : I am myself far from 
desiring to be excused. From experience in ours, as well as from my 
former intimacy with many officers of note in the British navy, I am 
convinced that the parity of rank between sea and land or marine officers, 
is of more consequence to the harmony of the service, than has generaUy 
been imagined. In the British establishment, an admiral ranks with a 
general, a vice-admiral with a lieutenant-general, a rear-admiral with a 
major-general, a commodore with a brigadier-general, a captain with a 
colonel, a master and commander with a Ueutenant-colonel, a lieutenant 
commanding vvith a major, and a heutenant in the navy ranks with a 
captain of horse, foot, or maihies. I propose not our enemies as an 
example for our general imitation, yet, as their navy is the best regulated 
of any in the world, we must in some degree imitate them, and aim at 
such farther improvement as may one day make ours vie with, and exceed 
theirs. Were this regulation to take place in our navy it would prevent 
nimiberless disputes and duellings, which otherwise will be unavoidable." 

From the cruize in which he was engaged, on the 4th of 
September, 1776, he returned to Newport, Rhode Island, on 
the 7th of October following, and on the 17th again wrote to 
the Honorable Robert Morris, who had cordially permitted his 
confidential correspondence. This letter of the 17th of October, 
exhibits the character of Lieut. Jones in so just a light, and in 
a short compass shows his past success, his diligence, his 
sympathy, his liberality, his anxiety for the growth of the 
navy, and ardent wishes to prosecute the war to a speedy and 
triumphant issue, that it is but justice to his memory to insert 
it here entire. 



22 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



" Providence Sloop of War at Kewport, 
Rhode Island, llth Oct. 1116. 
" Honored Sir, 

" I wrote to you at sea 4tli ult. by the Brigantine Sea Nymph, my 
second prize. I have taken sixteen sail — manned and sent in eight 
prizes, and sunk, burnt, or destroyed the rest. The Ust of prizes is as 
follows : 



1. The Brigantine Britannia, whaler, 

2. " Brigantine Sea Nymph, West Indies, 

3. " Brigantine Favorite, " 

4. " Ship Alexander, Newfoundland, 

5. " Brigantine Success, " 

6. " Brigantine Kingston Packet, Jam., 
1. " Brigantine Defiance, Jersey, 

8. " Sloop Portland, whaler. 



1. The Ship Adventure, Jersey, 

2. " Brigantine Friendship, do., 

3. " Schooner John, London, 

4. " Schooner Betsey, Jersey. 

5. " Schooner Betsey, Halifax. 

6. " Schooner Sea Flower, Canso, 
1. " Schooner Ebenezer, " 

8. " Schooner Hope, Jersey, J 



> manned and sent in. 



>■ bm-nt, or otherwise destroyed. 



" I have written from time to time to the Marine Board, and furnished 
them with particular accounts of all my proceedings, and I now send 
copies of my former letters. I arrived here 7th inst. I would not have 
lost a day without writing to you and to the board, had not the 
commodore proposed to me to take command of an expedition, with the 
Alfred, Providence, and Hampden, to destroy the fishery of Newfoundland, 
but principally to relieve a hundred of our fellow citizens, who are detained 
as prisoners and slaves in the coal pits of Cape Breton. All my humanity 
was awakened, and called vip to action by this laudable proposal ; and I 
have been successfully employed in refitting and getting the Providence 
in readiness, but am under the greatest apprehension that the expedition 
will faU to nothing, as the Alfred is greatly short of men. I found her 
vrith only about thirty men, and we have with much ado enlisted thirty 
more ; but it seems the privateei-s entice them away as fast as they receive 
their month's pay. It is to the last degree distressing to contemplate the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 23 

state and establishment of our navj. The common class of mankind are 
actuated by no nobler principle than that of self-interest ; this, and this 
alone determines all adventurers in privateei-s ; the ownei-s, as well as 
those whom they employ. And while this is the case, unless the private 
emolument of individuals in our navy is made superior to that in 
privateei-s, it never can become respectable ; it never will become 
formidable. And without a respectable navy — alas ! America ! In the 
present critical situation of affaire, human wisdom can suggest no more 
than one infallible expedient : enlist the seamen during pleasure, and give 
them all the prizes. What is the paltry emolument of two thirds of 
prizes to the finances of this vast continent !* If so poor a resource is 
essential to its independency, in sober sadness we are involved in a woful 
predicament, and our ruin is fast approaching. The situation of America 
is new in the annals of mankind, her affairs cry haste, and speed must 
answer them. Trifles, therefore, ought to be wholly disregarded, as being 
in the old vulgar proverb ' penny wii^e, and pound foolish.' If our enemies, 
with the best established and most formidable navy in the univei-se, have 
found it expedient to assign all prizes to the captors, how much more is 
such policy essential to our infant fleet ; but I need use no arguments to 
convince you of the necessity of making the emoluments of our navy equal, 
if not superior, to theirs. We have had proof that a navy may be officered 
almost on any terms, but we are not so sure that these officei-s are equal 
to their commissions ; nor will the Congress ever obtain such certainty, 
until they, in their wisdom, see proper to appoint a board of admiralty, 
competent to determine impartially the respective merits and abilities of 
their officers, and to superintend, regulate, and point out, all the motions 
and operations of the navy. 

" Governor Hopkins tells me, that he apprehends I am appointed t: 
the Andrew Doria ; she is a good cruizer, and would, in my judgment, 
answer much better, were she mounted with 12 six-pounders, than as sht-. 
is at present, vvith 14 fours. An expedition of importance may be eft'ecteo 
this winter, on the coast of Africa, with part of the original fleet. Eithei 
the Alfi'ed or Columbus, with the Andrew Doria and Providence, would, 1 
am persuaded, carry aU before them ; and give a blow to the Enghsh 
African trade, which would not soon be recovered, by not leaving them a 



* It will be seen, in the sequel, that, by certain resolutions of Congress, of the 2.5th 
of November, 1775, Congress assigned two thirds of the value of all captures made 
by public ships of war to the use of the United Colonies. These are the " two thirds" 
to which Lieut. Jones alludes. The remaining one third was divided into twenty 
parts, and ordered to be distributed among the captors in the proportions mentioned 
in a resolution of the 6th of January, 1776. 



24: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

mast standing on that coast. This expedition would be attended with no 
great expense ; besides, the ship and vessels naentioned are unfit for 
service on a winter coast, which is not the case with the new frigates. 
The small squadron for this service ought to sail early, that the prizes 
may reach our ports in March or April. If I do not succeed in manning 
the Alfred, so as to proceed to the eastward, in the course of this week, 
the season will be lost ; the coal fleet will be gone to Halifax and the 
fishermen to Europe. I will not, however, remain inactive, but proceed 
to cruise in the sloop near Sandy Hook. Three of my prizes have arrived 
here, and one or two more to the eastward. 

" I am," &c. 

During the time he was at sea, he fell in with the frigate 
Solebay of 28 guns, near the Island of Bermuda, and had a 
sharp action with her, wliich lasted several hours. The Provi- 
dence carried but 12 guns, six-j)ounders, and Jones was 
exceedingly fortunate in making his escape from an adversary 
so decidedly superior in force. Proceeding thence in • the 
direction of JSTova-Scotia, he had an encounter near Cape-Sables, 
with the Milford, of 32 guns at long-shot. Being unable to cope 
with her, he ran into a small harbor and destroyed some fishing 
vessels. He next went to Isle-Madame, destroyed the fishing 
establishments there, and set on fire every vessel he could not 
take away. In efiecting all this destruction of property and 
loss to the enemy, he was absent not more than six weeks and 
five days. 

Some estimate may be formed of the individual profits 
accruing from the cruize in which Lieut. Jones had been 
occupied, from the nimiber of his captures, and the following 
regulations of Congress for the distribution of prize-money : — 

"In Congress, Jan. 6th, 1776. 

" Resolved, ITiat the commander in chief have one-twentieth part of 
prize-money, taken by any ship or ships, armed vessel or vessels, under 
his orders and command. 

" That the captain of any single armed ship or vessel have two-twentieth 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 25 

parts for liis share ; but if more ships or armed vessels be in company 
when a prize is taken, then the two-twentieth parts be divided amongst all 
the said captains. 

" That the captain of marines, heutenants of the ships or armed vessels, 
and masters thereof, share together, and have three twentieth parts divided 
among them equally of all prizes taken when they are in company. 

" That the lieutenants of marines, surgeons, chaplains, pui-sers, boatswains, 
gunners, carpenters, the masters' mates, and the secretary of the fleet, share 
together, and have two-twentieth parts and one half of one twentieth part 
divided among them equally, of all prizes taken when they are in company. 

" That the following warrant and petty oflBcers, viz. (allowing for each 
ship six midshipmen, for each brig four midshipmen, and each sloop two 
midshipmen, one captain's clerk, one surgeon's mate, one steward, one 
sailmaker, two carpenter's mates, one cook, one cockswain, two sergeants 
of marines for each ship, and one sergeant for each brig and sloop), have 
three-twentieth parts divided among them equally ; and when a prize is 
taken by any ship or vessel on board or in company in which the 
commander-in-chief is, then the commander-in-chief's cook or cockswain 
to be added to this allotment, and have their shares with these last 
mentioned. 

" That the remaining eight-twentieth parts and one half of the twentieth 
part be divided amongst the rest of the ship or ships' companies, as it may 
happen, share and share ahke. 

" That no officer or man have any share but such as are actually on 
board their several vessels when any prize or prizes are taken, excepting 
only such as may have been ordered on board any other prizes before 
taken, or sent away by his or their commanding officers." 



Congress subsequently altered this regulation, as apjoears by 
tlie subjoined resolution, and probably upon tbe suggestion of 
Lieut. Jones, as the alteration took place so soon after he had 
written to Mr. Morris : 

"In Congress, Oct. 30th, 1116. 

" Resolved, That the rank of the officere of marines be the same as 
officers of similar commissions in the land service. 

" That the commanders, officei-s, seamen, and marines, in the continental 
navy, be entitled to one half of merchantmen, transports, and store-ships, 
by them taken, from and after the first day of November, 1776, to be 



26 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

di\ided amongst them in the shares and proportions fixed by former 
resolutions of Congress. 

" That the commanders, officers, seamen, and marines, in the continental 
navy, be entitled to the whole value of all ships and vessels of war 
belonging to the crown of Great Britain by them made prize of, and all 
privateers authorised by his Britannic Majesty to war against these States, 
to be divided as aforesaid." 

Lieut. Jones took command of a squadron in Rliode Island 
on tlie 22d of October, 1TY6, but finding that lie could not man 
the ship and two small vessels of wliicli it consisted witliout 
losing too much time, he determined to leave the Providence 
and proceed with the Alfred and Hampden. lie took the men 
out of the Providence and her prizes, by which means he made 
up a muster-roll of upward of 140. When, on the 27th, he was 
ready to proceed, the Hampden was run upon a sunken ledge, 
which knocked off her false keel, in consequence of which she 
became so leaky that she was condemned as not being sea- 
worthy, and the men were immediately shifted to the 
Providence. His expectations from the expedition were not 
sanguine, having been delayed in his arrangements a fortnight 
longer than he had contemplated. He finally j)ut to sea, with 
the Alfred and Providence, in the month of November. In 
this adventure he took a vessel from Liverpool, and the armed 
ship Mellish, having on board a company of soldiers and 10,000 
suits of uniform. This captm-e was very opportime. The 
American army was much in want of clothing, and so valuable 
a prize tended to reanimate the spirits of the soldiers. He also 
took a third vessel on the 16th of November, and on the 18th 
following, the Providence parted company in the night. He 
proceeded, nevertheless, to Isle Royale, destroyed a valuable 
transport there, and bm'nt the buildings appropriated to the 
whale and cod-fisheries. Not far from that island he took 
another vessel, which was laden with ling and furs, and on the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 27 

following day captured a privateer mounting sixteen guns. On 
his return to the continent, he once more fell in with the Milford 
frigate, but eluded her, and, with his prizes, arrived at Boston, 
on the 10th of December, 1776. 

The main object of the enterprise against Isle-Koyale was not 
effected. The intention of Lieut. Jones was to liberate the 
Americans who were confined in the coal-mines there. He 
attributes the failure to the behavior of the officer who 
commanded the Providence. In a letter to the Hon. Mr. 
Hewes, dated at Boston, on the 12th of January, 1777, he 
remarks : " the captain of the Providence thought proper to 
dispense with his orders and give me the slip in the night, 
which entirely overset the expedition." In like manner he 
complains of a prize-master, who violated his instructions by 
going into Dartmouth, Mass., instead of a port in Korth 
Carolina, whither he had been ordered. 

These irregularities arose altogether, it is believed, from the 
omission of Congress to establish a due gradation of rank among 
the officers of the navy. That body had been so incessantly 
employed in business of vital importance, both foreign and 
domestic ; and there were so many objects to attend to in the 
organization of a new government that they had little time to 
devote to minor details. It was not until three months after 
the Declaration of Independence that the relative rank of 
officers in the naval service was established. On the 10th of 
October, 1776, it was settled m the following manner, and a 
vessel assigned to each : 

Rank of Captains in the Navy, established hy Congress, October \Oth, 

1Y76, viz.: 

Commanders. 

xS"o. 1. James Nicholson, . 

2. John Manly, .... 

3. Hector M'Neil, 



Vessels. 


Guns, 


Virginia, 


28 


Hancock, 


32 


Boston, 


24 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 



Commanders. 

4. Dudley Saltonstall, 

5. Nicholas Biddle, 

6. Thomas Thompson, 

7. John Barry, . 

8. Thomas Read, 

9. Thomas Grinnell, 

10. Charles Alexander, 

11. Lambert Wickes, 

12. Abraham Whipple, 

13. Johr: B. Hopkins, 

14. John Hodge, . 

15. Wilham Hallock, 

16. Hoysted Hacker, 
1*7. Isaiah Robinson, 

18. John Paul Jones, 

19. James Josiah, 

20. Ehsha Hinman, 

21. Joseph Olney, 

22. James Robinson, 

23. John Young, . 

24. Elisha Warner, 
Lieut. John Baldwin, 
Lieut. Thomas Albertson, 



Vessels. 


Guns 


Trumbull, 


28 


Randolph, 


32 


Raleigh, 


32 


Effingham, 


28 


Washington, 


32 


Congress, 


28 


Delaware, 


24 


Repiisal, 


16 


Providence, 


28 


Warren, 


32 


Montgomery, 


24 


Lexington, 


16 


Hampden, 


— 


Andrew Doria 


14 


Providence, 


12 


Alfred, 


28 


Cabot, 


16 


Sachem, 


10 


Independence, 


10 


Fly, 


— 


Wasp, 


8 


Musquito, 


4 



Jones was by no means satisfied with tliis regulation ; and, 
witli the exception of Captains Saltonstall, Biddle, Whipple, 
and Hopkins, considered himself as having been superseded 
by the first seventeen on the list. It was probably for the 
purpose of soothing him, that Congress, on March the 15th, 
lYTY, passed the subjoined resolution : 

"In Congress, J!/a^c7i 15, 1777. 
^^ Resolved, That Daniel Waters, and Samuel Tucker, be appointed 
Captains in the Navy of the United States, and that they have the 
command of two of the three ships ordered to be purchased. And that 
the command of the other ship be given to Captain John Paul Jones, 
until better provision can be made for him." 



On the same day that the relative rank of the captains was 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 29 

fixed, a commission was made out for Captain Jones, which, as 
a revolutionary document, may gratify curiosity. It is 
exj)ressed in these terms : — 

"m COXGKESS. 

'■'• The Delegates of the United States of New Hampshire^ Massachu- 
setts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Neio York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, 
South Carolina, and Georgia, To 

"JOHN PAUL JONES, ESQ. 

" We, reposing esj^ecial trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, 
conduct, and fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and ai)point you 
to be Captain in the Navy of the United States of North America, fitted 
out for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repehing every hostile 
invasion thereof You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge 
the duty of Captain by doing and performing all manner of things 
thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Otficei"s, 
Marines, and Seamen under your command, to be obedient to your 
ordei*s as Captain. And you are to observe and follow such orders and 
directions from time to time, as you shall receive from this or a futm'e 
Congi-ess of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose 
appointed, or Commander-in-Chief for the time being of the Navy of 
the United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the 
Rules and Discipline of War, the usage of the sea, and the instructions 
herewith given you, in pui-suance of the trust reposed in you. This 
commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future 
Congress. 

'•'■ Dated at Philadelphia, October lOth, IVZG. 

" By Order of the Congress, 

"John 'H.ancock, President. 

" Attest. Charles Thomson, Secretary. 

The uniform of the Officers of the Navy had been regulated 
by the Marine Committee on the 5th of September, 1776. It 
may be gratifying to those of the present day to be informed 
what it was. It is thus described in a resolution of the 
Committee : — 



30 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" In Marine Committee, 

'"'■Philadelphia, September 5, 1776. 

" Resolved, That the uniform of the Officers in the Navy of the 
United States be as follows : — 

Captains . . Blue cloth with red lappels, slash cuff, stand up collor, 
flat yellow buttons, blue britches, red waistcoat with 
narrow lace. 
Lieutenants Blue with red lappels, a round cuff" faced, stand up collor, 

yellow buttons, blue britches, red waistcoat plain. 
Masters. . . Blue with lappels, round cuff, blue britches, and red 

waistcoat. 
Midshipmen Blue lappeled coat, a round cuft', faced with red, stand up 
collor, with red at the button and button hole, blue 
biitches, and red waistcoat. 

" Extract from the Minutes, 

John Brown, SecretaryP 

" Uniform of the Marine Officers. 

" A green coat faced with white, round cuft", slashed sleeves, and 
pockets, with buttons round the cuff', silver epaulett on the right shoulder, 
skirts turned back, buttons to suit the facings. 

" White waistcoat and britches edged with gi-een, black gaiters and 
garters, gi-een shirts for the men if they can be procured." 

The respect to be paid to the pendant and to continental ships 
of war, was enjoined by Congress on the 29th of October, 
1TT6, in the resohition which follows. The national flag was 
not definitively established until June of the succeeding 
year : — 

"In Congress, October 29, 1776. 

" Resolved, That no private ships or vessels of war, merchant ships, or 
other vessels, belonging to the subjects of these States, be permitted to 
wear pendants when in company with continental ships or vessels of war, 
without leave from the commanding officer thereof: 

" That if any merchant ship or vessel shall wear pendants in company 
Avith continental ships or vessels of war, without leave from the 
commander thereof, such commander be authorised to take away the 
pendant from the off"ender : 

" That if private ships or vessels of war refuse to pay the respect due 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 31 

to the commanders of ships or vessels of war, the captain or commander 
so refusing shall lose his commission." 

On the 15th of November, 1776, the Congress granted a 
bounty to the officers and men for the capture of enemy vessels, 
established the relative rank of the officers in the navy and 
army, and fixed the^ pay of the officers and men in the navy, as 
specified in the annexed resolution. To the rate of pay in 
1776, is added the pay in 1825, from a comparison of which 
the increase of compensation in the com-se of the last forty-nine 
years may be discerned : 

"In Congress, November 15, 1776. 

" Resolved, That a bounty of twenty dollars be paid to the comman- 
ded, officers, and men of such continental ships or vessels of war as shall 
make a prize of any British ships or vessels of war, for every cannon 
mounted on board such prize at the time of such capture ; and eight 
doUare per head, for every man then on board, and belonging to such 
prize : 

" That the rank of the naval officers be to the rank of officers in the 
land service as follows : 

Admiral . .... as a General, 

Vice Admiral ..... " Lieut. General, 

Rear Admiral " Major General, 

Commodore " Brig. General, 

Captain of a ship of 40 guns and upwards, " Colonel, 

" " " 20 to 40 guns • " Lieut. Colonel, 

" " " 10 " 20 " • " Major, 

Lieutenant in the navy ... " Captain, 

" That the pay of all officers and men in the American navy, from the 
date of the new commissions under the fi-ee and independent States of 
America, be as follows : 

Of Ships of 20 guns. Per Calendar Month. Of 10 to 20 guns. 

In 1776. In 1825. In 1776. 

Captain $60 $100 $48 

Lieutenant 30 40 24 



32 



i LIFE 01 




JOHN PAUL 


JONES. 




Of Ships of 20 guns. Per Calendar Month. 


Of 10 to 20 guns 


In 1776. In 


1825. 


In 1776. 


Master 30 


40 


24 


" Mate . 






15 


20 


15 


Boatswain . . 






15 


20 


13 


" Mate 






H 


19 


9 


Gunner . . . 






15 


20 


13 


" Mate . 






H 




9 


Surgeon . . . 






25 


50 


21§ 


" Mate . 






15 


30 


13 J 


Carpenter . . 






15 


20 


13 


" Mate 






H 


19 ^ 


9 


Cooper . . . 






9 


18 


9 


Midshipman . . 






12 


19 


12 


Armorer .... 






9 


18 


9 


Sail Maker . . 






10 


20 


10 


Mate 






8^ 




H 


Yeoman . . . 






8i 




8i 


Quarter Master 






9 


18 


H 


Cook .... 






9 


18 


H 


Cockswain . . 






9 


18 


9 


Captain's Clerk 






15 


25 


12 


Steward . . . 






10 


18 


10 


Chaplain . . 






20 


40 




Yeoman of powdei 


• room 




9^ 




9 


Master-at- Arras 






10 


18 


9 


Seaman . . . 






8 


12 


8 



" That vessels under ten guns be commanded l>y lieutenants : 
" That the pay of the officers in such vessels be : 



Lieutenant Commanding- 


$30 


$50 


Mate .... 


15 


40 


Boatswain 


12 


20 


Gunner .... 


12 


20 


Carpenter 


12 


20 



" That the other officers and men, the same as in vessels fi-om ten to 
twenty guns. 



Marine officers — Captain, . 
Lieutenant 



20 



$40 
30 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 33 

"Non-commissioned officers and soldiers, the same as in the land 

service.'' 

Allowances for subsistence were made on the 21st of July, 
lYYT. The following is the resolution for that object : — 

"In Congress, July 2lst, 1777. 

" Resolved, That commanders of continental vessels of war of ten guns 
and upwards, be allowed five and one third dollars per week for subsist- 
ence, while in domestic or foreign ports : 

" That commanders of vessels under ten guns, be allowed four dollars 
per week for subsistence, while in domestic or foreign ports : 

"That commanders of continental vessels of war of ten guns and 
upwards, be allowed whilst at sea two dollars and two thirds per week, for 
cabin expenses : 

"That heutenants, surgeons, captains of marines, and chaplains, be 
allowed four dollars per week subsistence in domestic ports, during such 
times as the ships they respectively belong to are not in condition to 
receive them on board : 

"That the marine committee be empowered to allow such cabin 
furniture for continental vessels of war, as they shall judge proper." 

Jones was now acting under the commission of captain from 
the independent authorities of the United States of America. 
He had, indeed, performed all the duties of a captain in virtue 
of his previous appointment. That appointment, together with 
all those which were made on the 22d of December, lY7o, 
before the Colonies had proclaimed their separation from Great 
Britain, was produced by British maritime aggressions, which 
the Congress determined to resist and punish. Resolutions 
were adopted assigning the reasons which impelled the United 
Colonies to reprisal ; and as they may be viewed as the origin 
of the American naval establishment, it may not be displeasing 
to the reader to be furnished with an opportunity of perusing 
them in this volume. They are as follow :• — 

"In Congress, November 25th, 1775. 
" Whereas, it appears from undoubted information, that many vessels 

3 



34 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

which had cleared at the respective custom-houses in these Colonies, 
agreeably to the regulations estabhshed by acts of the British Parhament, 
have, in a lawless manner, without even the semblance of just authority, 
been seized by his majesty's ships of war, and carried into the harbor of 
Boston and other ports, where they have been rifled of their cargoes, by 
orders of his majesty's naval and mihtary oflicers there commanding, 
without the said vessels having been proceeded against by any form of 
trial, and without the charge of having offended against any law. 

"And whkreas, orders have been issued in his majesty's name to 
commanders of his ships of war, 'to proceed as in the case of actual 
rebellion against such of the seaport towns and places being accessible to 
the king's ships, in which any troops shall be raised or military works 
erected,' under color of which said orders, the commanders of his majesty's 
said ships of war have already burned and destroyed the flourishing and 
populous town of Falmouth, and have fired upon and much injured several 
other towns within the United Colonies, and dispersed at a late season of 
the year, hundreds of helpless women and children, with a savage hope 
that those may perish under the approaching rigors of the season who 
may chance to escape destruction from fire and sword, a mode of waifare 
long exploded amongst civilized nations. 

" And whereas, the good people of these Colonies, sensibly affected by 
the destruction of their property, and other unprovoked injuries, have at 
last determined to prevent, as much as possible, a repetition thereof, by 
fitting out armed vessels and ships of force : in the execution of which 
commendable designs, it is possible that those who have not been 
instrumental in the unwarrantable violences above mentioned may suflfer, 
unless some laws be made to regulate, and tribunals erected competent to 
determine, the propriety of captures : Therefore, 

" Resolved, That all ships of war, frigates, sloops, cutters, and armed 
vessels, as are or shall be employed in the present cruel and unjust war 
against the United Colonies, and shall fidl into the hands of, or be taken 
by the inhabitants thereof, be seized and forfeited to and for the purposes 
hereinafter mentioned : 

" That all transport vessels in the same service having on board any 
troops, arms, ammunition, clothing, pro\isions, or military or naval stores, 
of what kind soever, and all vessels, to whomsoever belonging, that shall 
be employed in carrying provisions or other necessaries to the British 
army or armies, or navy, that now are or shall hereafter be within any of the 
United Colonies, or any goods, wares, or merchandise, for the use of such 
fleet or army, shall be liable to seizure, and, with their cargoes, shall be 
confiscated : 

" That no master or commander of any vessel shall be entitled to cruize 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 



35 



for, or make prize of any vessel or cargo, before he shall have obtained a 
commission from the Congress, or from such person or persons as shall be 
for tliat purpose appointed in some one of the United Colonies : 

" That when any vessel or vessels shall be fitted out at the expense of 
any private person or persons, then the captures shall be to the use of the 
owner or owners of the said vessel or vessels : that where the vessels 
employed in the capture shall be fitted out at the expense of any of the 
United Colonies, then one third of the prize taken shall be to the use of 
the captors, and the remaining two thirds to the use of the said Colony ; 
and where the vessels so employed shall be fitted out at the continental 
charge, then one third shall go to the captors, and the remaining two 
thirds to the use of the United Colonies : provided, nevertheless, that if 
the capture be a vessel of war, then the captors shall be entitled to one 
half of the value, and the remainder shall go to the Colony or Continent 
as the case may be, the necessary charges of condemnation of all prizes 
being deducted before distribution made : 

" That the captures heretofore made by vessels fitted out at the 
continental charge were justifiable, and that the distribution of the 
captor's share of the prizes by Gen. Washington be confu-med, which is as 
follows : — 





Shares. 




Share 


A Captain or Commander, 


6 


A Mate, 


H 


First Lieutenant, 


5 


Gunner, . 


n 


Second Lieutenant, . 


4 


Gunner's Mate, 


H 


Surgeon, . 


4 


13oatswain, 


H 


Master, 


3 


Sergeant, 


H 


Stewaixl, . 


2 


Private, . 


1 



After receiving his commission of the 10th of October, 1776, 
Capt. Jones was more intent than ever on devising the means 
of advancing the condition of the navj. He looked forward to 
its augmentation and perfection, and continued to present his 
reflections as to the course that should be pursued to attain 
those objects. Many of his ideas were valuable, and some of 
them have, in substance, been carried into effect by the present 
government upon a large scale. Writing to his friend, the 
Honorable Robert Morris, on the 10th of February, 1777, he 
eaid, — ' 



OO LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

"There are no officers more immediately wanted in the marine 
department, than commissioners of dock yards, to superintend the 
building, and outfit of all ships of war ; with power to appoint deputies to 
provide and have in constant readiness, sufficient quantities of provision, 
stores, slops, &c., so that the small number of ships we have may be 
constantly employed, and not continue idle as they do at present : besides 
all the advantages that would arise from such appointments, the saving 
which would accrue to the continent is worth attending to ; had such 
men been appointed at the firet, the new ships might have been at sea 
long ago. The difficulty now lays in finding men who are deserving, and 
who are fitly quahfied for an office of such importance. 

"I must repeat what I asserted formerly, that unless some happy 
expedient can be fallen upon to induce the seamen to enter into the 
service for a longer term than twelve months, it will never be possible to 
bring them under proper subordination ; and subordination is as necessary, 
nay, far more so in the fleet, than in the army. Present advantages, 
though small, will operate far more on the minds of seamen, than future 
prospects, though great. They ought at least to enter during the war, 
if not dm-ing pleasure." 

In falfilment of the resolution of Congress of the 17th of 
March, ITTY, the Marine Committee addressed a letter to Capt. 
Jones, in the following terms : — 

" In Marine Committee. 

''Philadelphia, March 25th, 1111. 

" The Congress, by a resolve of the 11 th inst., having ordered that the 
agent at Boston should purchase, arm, and fit out, for the service of the 
United States, three fast sailing good ships, that will conveniently mount 
18 six-pounders on one deck ; and that Capt. John Paul Jones shall 
command one of said ships, until better provision can be made for him : 
Therefore, 

" Resolved, That Capt. Jones shall have his choice of those three ships, 
aad that he superintend the fitting of her out. 

" Extract from the minutes. 

"John Brown, Secretary P 

"In Marine Committee. 

^'Philadelphia, March 25th, 1117. 
« Sir, 

" The agent, Mr. Bradford, has orders from this committee to purchase 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 37 

and fit out three armed vessels, pursuant to a resolve of Congress, wliich 
is transmitted to him, one of wliich you are to command, and the 
committee have directed that you should have yoiu* choice. Therefore 
you are desired to make your election as soon as the purchase shall be 
made, and to superintend and hasten the fitting her out for sea, with all 
possible expedition. 

« We are. Sir, 

" Your very humble servants, 

"John Hancock, 
" William Whipple, 
" William Ellery, 
"Abraham Clarke, 
" Oliver Wolcott, 
" Thomas Banke, 
" Robert Morris. 
" To Capt. John Paul Jones." 

Before this plan was canied into execution, Jones received a 
new and honorable proof of the good opinion of Congress, by 
being ordered to proceed to France from Portsmouth in the 
French ship Amphitrite, with a positive order to the American 
commissioners at Paris to invest him with the command of a 
fine ship, as a reward for the zeal he had shown, and for the 
signal services which he had performed in vessels of little force. 
By the annexed letter to Mr. John Dobie it would seem that he 
was making preparations to embark in the Amphitrite ; but, on 
account of difficulties made by her commander, he abandoned 
the design : 

''Boston, May 23d, 1777. 
" Mr. John Dobie, 

" You are hereby authorized to engage any prime seamen who may 
present themselves to serve under my command in the navy on board the 
ship Amphitrite, at Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, bound to France. — 
On arrival there they are to be turned over to one of the finest frigates of 
the French Navy, she having been purchased for the United States by 
their commissioners at the court of Paris, and to be put under my 
command. — You are directed to repair on board the ship at Portsmouth 
without loss of time, and your reasonable expenses wiU be allowed, as also 



38 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the reasonable expenses of as many prime seamen as you may bring witb 
you in proper time. If a passage can be procured from hence to Portsmouth 
by water, it will be the cheapest and best conveyance, especially for 
baggage. 

" John P. Jones." 

Capt. Jones had before, in one of his letters to a member of 
Congress, recommended that one of his prizes, the Mellish, 
should be converted into a ship of war. This had been 
determined upon by the Marine Committee, but, upon the 
receipt of a letter from him in May, 177T, the determination 
was abandoned, and he was appointed to the command of the 
Ranger. That committee wrote the following letter to him, 
from which it may be inferred that he was growing in the 
esteem of Congress, and in favor with the public in general : 

" In Marine Committee. 

" Philadelphia, June ISth, 1111. 
" John Paul Jones, Esq., 
"Sir, 

" Your letter of the 26th May to the Secret Committee was laid before 
Congress, and, in consequence thereof, the design of fitting the Mellish is 
laid aside ; and you are appointed to command the Ranger ship of war 
lately built at Portsmouth. Col. Whipple, the bearer of this, carries with 
him the resolves of Congress appointing you to this command, and 
authorizing him, Col. Langdon, and you, to appoint the other commissioned 
as well as the warrant officers necessary for this ship, and he has with him 
blank commissions and warrants for this purpose. 

"It is our desire that you get the Ranger equipped, officered, and 
manned as well and as soon as possible, and probably we may send you 
other insti-uctions, before you are ready to sail. However, the design of 
the present is to prevent your waiting for such after you are ready for 
service in eveiy other respect, and if that happens before the receipt of 
farther ordei-s from us, you must then proceed on a cruize against the 
enemies of those United States conforming to the orders and regulations 
of Congi-ess made for the government of the navy ; and in conformity 
thereto take, sink, burn, or destroy all such of the enemies' ships, vessels, 
goods, and effects as you may be able. 

" We shall not hmit you to any particular cruizing station, but leave 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 89 

you at large to search for yourself where the greatest chance of success 
presents. Your prizes you will send into such safe ports in these United 
States as they can reach, your prisoners must also be sent in, and we 
recommend them to kind treatment. 

" Any useful intelligence that comes to your knowledge must be 
communicated to us whenever you have opportunity. 

" You are to preserve good order and discipline, but use your people 
well. The ship, her materials, and stores must be taken good care of, 
and every officer to answer to any embezzlements that happen in his 
department. You are to make monthly returns of your officers, men, &c. 
to the Navy Board, you are to be exceedingly attentive to the cleanhness 
of your ship and preservation of the people's healths. 

" You are to afford assistance and protection to the American commerce 
whenever in your power ; and on your return from this cruize, lay copies 
of your journal and log book before the Naxy Board, and inform us the 
events of your voyage. 

" We are, Sir, 

" Your friends and servants, 

" John Hancock, 
" Robert Morris, 
" Philip Livingston, 
"Benjamin Harrison, 

" A. MiDDLETON, 

" Nicholas Van Dyke, 
"George Walton." 

The resolutions refeiTed to are as follow : The designation 
of the flag, and the appointment of Captain Jones to the 
command of the Ranger on the same day, would seem to imply 
some connexion between the two circumstances. The Ranger 
was probably the first ship that bore the national flag to / 
Europe. ' 

"In Congress, June I4th, 1111. 

"Besohed, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen 
stripes, alternate red and white ; that the Union be thirteen stars, white 
in a blue field, representing a new constellation. 

" Besohed, That Captain John Paul Jones be appointed to command 
the ship Ranger. 

" Resolved^ That William Whipple, Esq., member of Congi-ess, and of 



40 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the Marine Committee, John Langdon, Esq., continental agent, and the 
said John Paul Jones, be authorised to appoint lieutenants and other 
commissioned, and warrant officers, necessary for the said ship ; and that 
blank commissions and warrants be sent them, to be filled up with the 
names of the persons they appoint, returns whereof to be made to the 
Navy Board in the eastern department." 

Tlie subjoined letter to Lieutenant Elijah Hall shows that 
Captain Jones dealt franklj and honorably with his seamen. 
This was as wise as it was just, for the surest method of securing 
cheerful obedience, and preserving harmony among a ship's 
crew, is to inspire them at the outset with confidence in the 
integrity and equity of the commander : 

"■Portsmouth, N. H., July 29th, 1111. 

" Lieut. Elijah Hall, U. S. Navy. 

" Sir, 

" As I learn from you that the seamen who have entered for the 
Eanger, for one cruize, expect to receive an advance of forty dollars, and 
that the landsmen expect to receive an advance of twenty dollars, as 
mentioned in the hand bills, and as I would by no means deceive any 
man who has entered, or who may enter, to serve under my command, it 
is proper that you should inform them, that at the time when Congress 
agreed to that advance, there was no intention of entering men except for 
three years, during the war, or for one year at least ; yet, as I consider 
myself under an obligation to those men, who have so cheerfully entered, 
it being a proof of their good opinion of me, I would, at my own risk, 
give them orders on the agent here for the above advance, or for such 
part of it as they may find really necessary, but, upon inquiry, I am 
convinced that this would be contrary to the rules of Congress, and 
therefore hurtful to the service. I will, however, besides the bounty, give 
an order on the agent or paymaster of the navy, for the punctual payment 
of half the monthly wages, to every person under my command, who may 
leave wives or attorneys behind them, to receive it in their absence, as it 
afterwards becomes due, provided they enter for the term of twelve months, 
otherwise I am authorized to advance no more than one month's pay, 
besides slops to persons who enter only for one cruize. I wish to see 
every person about me happy and contented, and will do everything in 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 41 

my power to make them so. Tlie conditions of the hand bills will be 
strictly compHed with, and 

" I am, Sir, 

" Yom* very obedient 

" and most humble servant, 

" John Paul Jones." 

" The above is a true copy from the original in my possession, 

" Elijah Hall. 
''Portsmouth, Sept. 29th, 1824." 

Captain Jones was now on the eve of his departure for 
France. During his stay at Boston in the month of May, he 
wrote a letter to Stuart Mawey, Esq. which places his character 
in a new light. It would seem from that letter that he had 
once been a merchant in Tobago, and that he had pecuniary 
resources in that island as well as in England, from which, by 
untoward circumstances, he had been cut off; what these were 
he does not reveal. They probably arose from that misfortune 
at which he hinted in a letter to the Hon. Mr. Morris, as being 
known to the Hon. Mr. Hewes. According to his own account, 
he was in extreme distress when he joined the standard of 
America. But the letter to Mr. Mawey contains no expressions 
of regret for the part he had taken in the revolution. On the 
contrary, he declares his unshaken determination to adhere to 
the fortunes of America. The letter does infinite credit to the 
heart of Capt. Jones ; and, after reading it, no impartial mind 
will venture to denounce him as illiterate, vulgar, unfeeling, or 
unprincipled. The sentiments which he expresses for his 
mother are true to natm-e, tender, and touching, and show that 
the profession of arms had not estranged his bosom from the 
more refined and affectionate sensations. 

''Boston, May 4, 177V. 
" Stewart Mawey, Esq. Tobago. 

" Dear Sir, 
" After an unprofitable suspense of twenty months, (ha\'ing subsisted 



42 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

on ffty pounds only during that time,) when my hoj»es of relief were 
entirely cnt off, and there remained no possibihty of my receiving 
wheremthal to subsist upon from my effects in your island, or in England, 
I at last had recourse to strangers for that aid and comfort which was 
denied me by those friends whom I had entrusted with my all. The 
good offices which are rendered to pereons in their extreme need, ought to 
make deep impressions on grateful minds. In my case, I feel the truth 
of that sentiment, and am bound by gi-atitude as well as honor to follow 
the fortunes of my late benefactors. 

" I have lately seen Mr. Secaton (late manager on the estate of Ai-chi- 
bald Stuart, Esq.), who informed me that Mr. Ferguson had quitted 
Orange Valley, on being charged with the unjust application of the 
property of his employers. I have been, and am extremely concerned at 
this account ; I wish to disbelieve it, although it seems too much of a 
piece with the unfair advantage which, to all appearance^ he took of me, 
when he left me in exile for twenty months, a prey to melancholy and 
want, and withheld my 2:)roperty without writing a word in excuse of his 
conduct. 

" Thus circumstanced, I have taken the liberty of sending you a letter 
of attorney by Capt. Cleaveland, who undertakes to deliver it himself, as 
he goes for Tobago via Martinico. You have enclosed a copy of a hst of 
debts acknowledged, which I received from Mr. Ferguson when I saw you 
last at Orange Valley. You have also, a Hst of debts contracted with me, 
together with Ferguson's receipt,* and there remained a considerable 
property unsold, besides some best Madeira wine, which he had shipped 
for London. By the state of accounts which I sent to England on my 
arrival on this continent, there was a balance due to me from the ship 
Betsey, of 909^. 15s. 3c?. sterhng; and in my account vdth Robert Young, 
Esq. of the 29th of January, 1773, there appeared a balance in my favor 
of 28 IZ. Is. 8c?. sterhng. These sums exceed my drafts and just debts 
together, so that, if I am fairly dealt with, I ought to receive a 
considerable remittance from that quarter. 

" You will please to observe that there were nine pieces of coarse 
camlet shipped at Cork, over and above the quantity expressed in the hill 
of lading. It seems the shippers, finding th.eir mistake, apphed for the 
goods, and, as I have been informed from Grenada, Mr. Ferguson 
.•aid hold of this opportunity to propagate a report that all the goods 
which I put into his hands was the property of that house in Cork. If 



* Copies of these lists are enclosed in the copy which Capt. Jones retained of this 
letter, and are now in the possession of the author of this volume. They are written 
in a fair hand, and the sums put down in counting-house order. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 43 

this base suggestion has gained belief, it accounts for all the neglect which 
I have experienced. But, however my connexions are changed, my 
principles as a man of candor and integi'ity are the same : therefore, 
should there not be a sufficiency of my property in England to answer my 
just debts, I declare that it is my first wish to make up such deficiency 
from my property in Tobago ; and were even that also to fall short, I am 
ready and 'nilling to make full and ample remittances from hence, upon 
hearing from you the true state of my affaii-s. As I hope my dear mother 
is still ahve, I must inform you that I wish my property in Tobago or in 
England, after paying my just debts, to be applied for her support. Your 
own feelings, my dear Sir, make it unnecessary for me to use arguments 
to prevail with you on this tender point. Any remittances which you 
may be enabled to make through the hands of my good fi'iend, Capt. 
John Palmer, of Cork, will be feithfuUy put into her hands. She has 
several orphan gi-and-children to provide for. I have made no apology for 
giving you this trouble : my situation will, I trust, obtain your free pardon. 
" You can, if you please, correspond with me via any of the French or 
Dutch islands, by addressing your letters to John P. Jones, and care of 
the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq. Philadelphia, or I can hear from you through 
the hands of my friend, Capt. Plainer ; he is frequently at Grenada, and 
perhaps may be there when this reaches your hands 
" I am always, with perfect esteem, <kc." 

The Ranger at length put to sea, and, on the 2d of December, 
1Y7T, arrived at Nantes in France. From that port Capt. 
Jones proceeded, on the 13th of February, 1778, to Quiberon 
Bay and Brest, where he saluted the French Admiral, Count 
D'Orvilliers, with thirteen guns, which was returned with nine. 
This was the first salute of honor that the American flag had 
received from a foreign man-of-war. Jones delayed his salute, 
until assured fi'om authority, that the compliment would be 
reciprocated. 

Whilst at Nantes, Capt. Jones was favored by the American 
Commissioners with a letter of credit for 500 louis d'ors, which 
proves that he acted in concert with the public authorities of 
the United States, both at home and abroad. As a document 
establishing this fact, it is deemed proper to embody it in this 
account of his life. 



44: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Passy, January 1 0, 1 V 7 8. 
"Jonathan Williams, Esq. Nantes. 
" Sir, 
" "We desire you would advance to Capt. Paul Jones, of the Ranger, 
five hundred louis d'ors, for whicli your draft upon us will be paid. 

" We are, Sir, 
" Your most obedient servants, 
" B. Franklin, 
" Silas Dean, 
"Arthur Lee." 

After considerable delay and many obstacles, most of which 
he attributed to the want of cordiality in the first lieutenant of 
the Kanger, and a spirit of mutiny among the crew, he sailed 
from Brest on the 13th of April, on a cruize in the L'ish 
Channel, entered upon a very hazardous enterprise against 
Whitehaven, and spread great terror along the shores of Great 
Britain and L'eland. 

On the same day of the descent at Whitehaven, another 
memorable occurrence took place, which contributed, for a time, 
to add greatly to the odium which the first had brought on his 
character, but which, in the end, enabled him to prove that he 
was possessed of the most disinterested and heroic qualities. 
In cruising off the coast of Gralloway, it occurred to him, that, 
if he could get into his power a man of high rank and influence 
in the state, he should be able, by retaining him as a hostage, 
to insure to the American prisoners of war more lenient 
treatment from the British government. Knowing that the 
Earl of Selkirk possessed a seat in St. Mary's Isle, a beautiful 
peninsula at the mouth of the Dee, and being ill informed with 
regard to the political connexions of that nobleman, he destined 
him for the subject of his experiment. 

It was in this adventure that he permitted the seizure of the 
plate of Lord Selkirk, at St. Mary's Isle, which he afterwards 
purchased and restored. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 45 

National prejudice has misrepresented this transaction ; and, 
in order to heighten the popular indignation against Jones, it 
has been common to state, that his attempt on the person, and 
as it was supposed, the property of Lord Selkirk, was aggra- 
vated by ingratitude, his father having eaten of that nobleman's 
bread. Nothing can be more false. Neither Mr. Paul, nor 
any of his kindred ever was in the earl's employ, or had even 
the most distant connexion with his lordship, or his family; 
and in a correspondence which took place betwixt Jones and 
Lady Selkirk, relative to the restitution of the plate, a most 
honorable testimony was gratefully paid by Lord Selkirk to the 
Captain's character. 

Li connexion with the attempt upon Whitehaven, was the 
capture of the British ship-of-war Drake, of 20 guns. Captain 
Jones has given so particular an account of these exploits in a 
letter to the commissioners of the United States at Paris, that 
it will be preferred to any narrative of them that could be 
framed by another hand : — 

" Letter to the American Commissioners at Paris. 

'' Brest, May 27, 1778. 
" Gentlemen, 

" I now fulfil the promise made in my last, by giving you an account 
of my late expedition. 

"I sailed from Brest 10th of April. My plan was extensive. I 
therefore did not, at the beginning, wish to encumber myself with 
prisoners. On the 14th I took a brigantine between Scylla and Cape 
Clear, bound from Ostend vnth a cargo of flaxseed for Ireland, sunk her, 
and proceeded into St. George's Channel. On the l7th I took the ship 
Lord Chatham, bound from London to Dublin, with a cargo consisting of 
porter and a variety of merchandize, and almost within sight of her port ; 
the ship I manned and ordered for Brest. Towards the evening of the day 
following, the weather had a promising appearance, and the winds being 
favorable, I stood over from the Isle of Man, with an intention to make a 
descent at Whitehaven. At 10 o'clock, I was off the harbor with a party 
of volunteers, and had everything in readiness to land, but, before eleven, 



46 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the wind greatly increased, and shifted so as to blow directly upon the 
shore ; the sea increased of course, and it became impossible to effect a 
landing. This obliged me to carry all possible sail, so as to clear the land, 
and to await a more favorable opportunity. On the 18th, in Glenbue Bay, 
on the south coast of Scotland, I met with a revenue wherry ; it being 
the common practice of these vessels to board merchant ships, and the 
Ranger then having no external appearance of war, it was expected that 
this rover would have come alongside. I was, however, mistaken, for, 
though the men were at their quarters, yet this vessel outsailed the 
Ranger, and got clear, in spite of a severe cannonade. 

" The next morning, oflf" the Mull of Galloway, I found myself so near 
a Scotch coasting schooner, loaded with barley, that I could not avoid 
sinking her. Understanding that 10 or 12 sail of merchant ships, besides 
a tender brigantine with a number of impressed seamen on board, were at 
anchor in Loughryan in Scotland, I thought this an enterprise Avorthy 
attention, but the wind, which at the first would have served equally well 
to sail in or out of the Lough, shifted in a hard squall so as to blow 
almost directly in, with an appearance of bad weather ; I was therefore 
obliged to abandon my project. 

" Seeing a cutter off the lee-bow steering for the Clyde, I gave chase in 
hopes of cutting her off; but finding my endeavors ineflfectual, I pursued 
no farther than the rock of Ailsa. In the evening I fell in with a sloop 
fr-om Dublin, which I sunk to prevent intelligence. 

"The next day, the 21st, being near Carrickfergus, a fishing boat came 
off, which I detained. I saw a ship at anchor in the road, which I was 
informed by the fisherman, was the British ship-of-war Drake, of 20 guns. 
I determined to attack her in the night. My plan was to overlay her 
cable, and to fall upon her bow, so as to have all her decks open, and 
exposed to our musketry, &c. ; at the same time it was my intention to 
have secured the enemy by graplings, so that, had they cut their cables, 
they would not thereby have attained an advantage. The wind was high, 
and unfortunately the anchor was not lot go so soon as the order was given ; 
so that the Ranger was brought up on the enemy's quarter, at the distance 
of half a cable's length. We had made no warlike appearance, of 
course had given no alarm ; this determined me to cut immediately, 
which might appear as if the cable had parted, and at the same time 
enabhng me, after making a tack out of the Lough, to return with the 
same prospect of advantage which I had at the first. I was, however, 
prevented from returning ; as I with difficulty weathered the lighthouse 
on the lee side of the Lough, and as the gale increased. 

" The weather now became so very stormy and severe, and the sea so 
high, that I was obhged to take shelter under the south shore of Scotland. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 47 

The 22d introduced fair weather ; though the three kingdoms as far as 
the eye could reach were covered with snow. I now resolved once more 
to attempt Whitehaven ; but the wind became very hght, so that the ship 
could not in proper time approach so near as I had intended. At midnight 
I left the ship, with two boats and thu-ty-one volunteers. AYhen we 
reached the outer piei', the day began to dawn. I would not, however, 
abandon my enterprise ; but despatched one boat under the direction of 
Mr. Hill and Lieutenant Wallingsford, with the necessaiy combustibles, to 
set fire to the shipping on the north side of the harbor, while I went with 
the other party to attempt the south side. I was successful in scaling the 
walls, and spiking up all the cannon in the firet fort. Finding the sentinels 
shut up in the guard house, they were secured without being hurt. 
Having fixed sentinels, I now took with me one man only (]\Ir. Green), 
and spiked up all the cannon on the southern fort ; distant from the other 
a quarter of a mile. 

" On my return from this business, I naturally expected to see the fire 
of the ships on the north side, as well as to find my own party -nnth 
everything in readiness to set fire to the shipping in the south. Instead 
of this, I found the boat under the direction of Mr. Hill and Mr. 
Wallingsford returned, and the party in some confusion, their light having 
burnt out at the instant when it became necessary. By the strangest 
fatahty my own party were in the same situation, the candles being all 
burnt out. The day too came on apace ; yet I would by no means retreat 
while any hopes of success remained. Having again placed sentinels, a 
hght was obtained at a house disjoined from the town ; and fire was 
kindled in the steei-age of a large ship, which was surrounded by at least 
an hundred and fifty othei-s, chiefly from two to four hundred tons 
burthen, and laying side by side aground, unsurrounded by the water. 
There were, besides, from seventy to an hundred large ships in the north 
arm of the harbor, aground, clear of the water, and divided from the rest 
only by a stone pier of a ship's height. I should have kindled fires in 
other places if the time had permitted. As it did not, oin- care was to 
prevent the one kindled from being easily extinguished. After some 
search a barrel of tar was found, and poured into the flames, which now 
ascended from all the hatchways. The inhabitants began to appear in 
thousands ; and individuals ran hastily towards us. I stood between them 
and the ship on fire, with a })istol in my hand, and ordered them to retire, 
which they did with precipitation. The flames had already caught the 
rigging, and began to ascend the mainmast : — the sun was a full hour's 
march above the horizon ; and as sleep no longer ruled the world, it was 
time to retire. We re-embarked without opposition, having released a 
number of prisoners, as our boats could not carry them. After all my 



48 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

people bad embarked, I stood upon tbe pier for a considerable time, yet 
no persons advanced. I saw all the eminences around tbe town covered 
witb tbe amazed inbabitants, 

" When we had rowed to a considerable distance from the shore, tbe 
English began to run in vast numbers to their forts. Their disappointment 
may easily be imagined, when they found at least thirty heavj cannon, 
tbe instruments of their vengeance, rendered useless. At length, however, 
they began to fire ; having, as I apprehend, either brought down ship 
guns, or used one or two cannon which lay on the beach at the foot of 
the walls dismounted, and which had not been spiked. They fired with 
no direction ; and the shot falling short of the boats, instead of doing us 
any damage, afforded some divereion, which my people could not help 
showing, by discharging their pistols, &c., in return of the salute. Had it 
been possible to have landed a few hours sooner, my success would have 
been complete. Not a single ship, out of more than two hundred, could 
possibly have escaped, and all tbe world would not have been able to save 
the town. What was done, however, is sufficient to show that not all 
their boasted navy can protect their own coasts ; and that the scenes of 
distress which they have occasioned in America may be soon brought 
home to their own door. One of my people was missing, and must, I 
fear, have ftiUen into the enemies' hands after our departure. I was 
pleased that in this business we neither killed nor wounded any person. 
I brought off three prisoners as a sample. 

" We now stood over for the Scotch shore ; and I landed at noon at 
St. Mary's Isle, with one boat only, and a very small party. The motives 
which induced me to land there are explained in the within copy of a 
letter which I have addressed to the Countess of Selkirk, dated the 8th 
instant. 

" On the morning of the 24th I was again off Carrickfergus, and would 
have gone in had I not seen the Drake preparing to come out. It w;is 
very moderate, and the Drake's boat was sent out to reconnoitre tbe 
Ranger. As tbe boat advanced I kept the ship's stern directly towards 
her ; and though they bad a spy glass in tbe boat, they came on Avitbin 
hail, and alongside. When the officer came on the quarter-deck, he was 
greatly surprised to find himself a prisoner; although an express had 
arrived from Whitehaven the night before. I now understood, what I 
had before imagined, that the Drake came out in consequence of this 
information, with volunteers, against the Ranger. The officer told me, 
also, that they had taken up the Ranger's anchor. The Drake was 
attended by five small vessels full of people, who were led by curiosity to 
see an engagement. But when they saw the Drake's boat at the Ranger's 
stern they wisely put back. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 49 

" Alarm smokes now appeared in great abundance, extending along on 
both sides of the channel. The tide was unfavorable, so that the Drake 
worked out but slowly. This obliged me to run down several times, and 
to lay with com-ses up and main-topsail to the mast. At length the 
Drake weathered the point, and having led her out to about mid-channel, 
I suftered her to come within hail. The Drake hoisted English colors, 
and, at the same instant, the American stare were displayed on board the 
Ranger. I expected that preface had been now at an end, but the enemy 
soon after hailed, demanding what ship it was ? I directed the master to 
answer, 'the American Continental ship Ranger; that we waited for 
them, and desired that they would come on ; the sun was now little more 
than an hour from setting, it was therefore time to begin.' The Drake 
being astern of the Ranger, I ordered the helm up and gave her the first 
broadside. The action was warm, close, and obstinate. It lasted an hour 
and four minutes, when the enemy called for quarters ; her fore and main- 
topsail yards being both cut away, and down on the cap ; the top-gallant 
yard and mizen-gaff both hanging up and down along the mast ; the 
second ensign which they had hoisted shot away, and hanging on the 
quarter-gallery in the water ; the jib shot away, and hanging in the water ; 
her sails and rigging entirely cut to pieces ; her masts and yards all 
wounded, and her hull also very much galled. I lost only Lieutenant 
Walhngsford and one seaman, John Dongall, killed, and six wounded ; 
among whom are the gunner, Mr. Falls, and Mr. Powers, a midshijanan, 
who lost his arm. One of the wounded, Nathaniel Wills, is since dead : 
the rest will recover. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded was 
far gTeater. All the prisoners allow that they came out with a number 
not less than a hundred and sixty men : and many of them affirm that 
they amounted to an hundred and ninety. The medium may, perhaps, 
be the most exact account ; and by that it will appear that they lost iu 
killed and wounded forty-two men. The captain and lieutenant were 
among the wounded. The former, having received a musket ball in the 
head the minute before they called for quarters ; lived, and was sensible 
some time after my people boarded the prize. The heutenant survived 
two days. They were buried with the honors due to their rank, and with 
the respect due to their memory. 

" The night and almost the whole day after the action being moderate, 
greatly facilitated the refitting of both ships. A large brigantine was so 
near the Drake in the afternoon that I was obliged to bring her to. She 
belonged to Whitehaven, and was bound for Norway. 

" I had thought of returning by the south channel ; but, the wind sliifting, 
I determined to pass by the north, and round the west coast of Ireland. 
This brought me once more off Belfast Lough, on the evening after the 



50 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

engagement. It was now time to release the honest fishermen, whom I 
took up here on the 21st. And as the poor fellows had lost their boat, 
she having sunk in the late stormy weather, I was happy in having it in 
my power to give them the necessary sum to purchase everything new 
which they had lost. I gave them also a good boat to transport them- 
selves ashore ; and sent vnth them two infirm men, on whom I bestowed 
the last guinea in my possession, to defray their travelhng expenses to 
their proper home in Dublin. They took Avith them one of the Drake's 
sails, which would sufficiently explain what had happened to the 
volunteers. The grateful fishermen were in raptures ; and expressed their 
joy in three huzzas as they passed the Ranger's quarter. 

" I again met with contrary winds in the mouth of the North Channel, 
but nothing remarkable happened, till on the morning of the 5th current, 
Ushant then bearing S.E. by S., distance fifteen leagues, when seeing a 
sail to leeward steering for the Channel, the wind being favorable for 
Brest and the distance trifling, I resolved to give chase, having the Drake 
in tow. I informed them of my intentions, and ordered them to cast off: 
They cut the hawser. The Ranger in the chase went lacking between 
N.N.E. and N.N.W. It lasted an hour and ten minutes, when the chase 
was hailed and proved a Swede. I immediately hauled by the wind to 
the southward. 

" After cutting the hawser, the Drake went from the wind for some 
time, then hauled close by the wind, steermg from S.S.E. to S.S.W. as the 
wind permitted, so that when the Ranger spoke the chase the Drake was 
scarcely perceptible. In the coui"se of the day many large ships appeared, 
steering into the Channel, but the extraordinary evolutions of the Drake 
made it impossible for me to avail myself of these favorable circumstances. 
Towards noon it became very squally, the wind backed from the S.W. to 
the W. The Ranger had come up with the Drake, and was nearly 
abreast of her, though considerably to the leeward when the wind shifted. 
The Drake was however kept by the wind, though, as I afterwards 
undei'stood, they knew the Ranger, and saw the signal which she had 
hoisted. After various evolutions and signals in the night, I gave chase to 
a sail which appeared bearing S.S.W. the next morning at a great distance. 
The chase discovered no intention to speak with the Ranger ; she was, 
however, at length brought to, and proved to be the Drake. I immedi- 
ately put Lieut. Simpson under suspension and arrest, for disobedience 
of my ordei-s, dated the 26th ult., a copy whereof is here inclosed. On 
the 8th, both ships anchored safe in this Road, the Ranger having been 
absent only twenty-eight days. Could I suppose that my letters of the 
9th and 16th current, (the first advising you of my arrival, and giving 
reference to the events of my expedition ; the last advising you of my 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 51 

draft in fjivor of Monsieur Bei-solle, for 24,000 livres, and assigning 
reasons fur that demand), had not made due appearance, I would 
hereafter, as I do now, inclose copies. Three posts have already arrived 
here from Paris, since Compte d'OrviUiers showed me the answer which 
he received from the minister, to the letter which inclosed mine to you. 
Yet you remain silent. M. BersoUe has this moment informed me of the 
fate of my bills ; the more extraordinary, as I have not yet made use of your 
letter of credit of the 10th of January last, whereby I then seemed 
entitled to call for half the amount of my last draft, and I did not expect 
to be thought extravagant, when, on the 16th current, I doubled that 
demand. Could this indignity be kept secret I should disregard it ; and, 
though it is already public in Brest and in the fleet, as it aft'ects only my 
private credit, I will not complain. I cannot, however, be silent when I 
find the pubhc credit invohed in the same disgrace. I conceive this 
might have been prevented. To make me completely wretched, Monsieur 
Bei-solle has told me that he now stops his hand, not only of the necessai-y 
articles to refit the ship, but also of the daily 2irovisions. I know not 
where to find to-morrow's dinner for the great number of mouths that 
depend on me for food. Are then the continental ships-of-war to dej^end 
on the sale of their prizes for a daily dinner for their men ? ' Publish it 
not in Gath ! ' 

" My officers as well as men want clothes, and the prizes are precluded 
from being sold before farther orders arrive from the minister. I will ask 
you, gentlemen, if I have deserved all this ? Whoever calls himself an 
American ought to be protected here. I am unwilling to think that you 
have intentionally involved me in this sad dilemma, at a time when I 
ought to expect some enjoyment. Therefore I have, as formerly, the honor 
to be, with due esteem and respect, gentlemen, yours, &c." 

The copy of the letter to Lady Selkirk, to which Capt. Jones 
alludes, is in the words following. It is couched in terms as 
politic as gallant : 

" Ranger, Brest, May 8, 1778. 
" The Right Hon. the Countess of Selkirk. 

" Madam, 
" It cannot be too much lamented that in the profession of arms, the 
officer of fine feeling and of real sensibility should be under the necessity 
of winking at any action of persons under his command which his heart 
cannot approve ; but the reflection is doubly severe, when he finds himself 
obhged, in appearance, to countenance such actions by his authority. 



52 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Tliis hard case was mine when, on the 23d of Ai^ril last, I landed on 
St. Mary's Isle. Knowing- Lord Selkirk's interest with his king, and 
esteeming as I do his private character, I wished to make him the happy 
instrument of alleviating the horrors of hopeless captivity, when the brave 
are, overpowered and made prisoners of war. 

" It was, perhaps, fortunate for you. Madam, that he was from 
home ; for it was my intention to have taken him on board the Ranger, 
and to have detained him until, through his means, a general and 
fau" exchange of prisoners, as well in Europe as in America, had been 
effected. 

" When I was informed by some men whom I met at landing, that his 
lordship was absent, I walked back to my boat, determined to leave the 
island. By the way, however, some officers, who were vnth me, could not 
forbear expressing their discontent ; observing that, in America, no 
delicacy was shown by the English, who took away all sorts of moveable 
property — setting fire not only to towns and to the houses of the rich 
without distinction, but not even sparing the wretched hamlets and milch- 
cows of the poor and helpless at the approach of an inclement winter. 
Tliat party had been with me, the same morning, at Wliitehaven ; some 
complaisance therefore was their due. I had but a moment to think how 
I might gratify them, and at the same time do your ladyship the least 
injury. I charged the two officers to permit none of the seamen to enter 
the house, or to hurt anything about it, — to treat you. Madam, with the 
utmost respect, — to accept of the plate which was offered, — and to come 
away without making a search, or demanding anything else. 

" I am induced to believe that I was punctually obeyed ; since I am 
informed that the plate which they brought away is far short of the 
quantity expressed in the inventory which accompanied it. I have 
gratified my men ; and when the plate is sold, I shall become the 
purchaser, and will gratify my own feelings by restoring it to you by such 
convej^ance as you shall please to direct. 

" Had the earl been on board the Ranger the folio-wing evening, he 
would have seen the awful pomp and dreadful carnage of a sea engage- 
ment ; both aflbrding ample subject for the jjencil, as well as melancholy 
reflection to the contemplative mind. Humanity starts back fi-om such 
scenes of horror, and cannot sufficiently execrate the vile promoters of 
this detestable war. 

'For thexj, 'twas <Ae?/ unsheathed the ruthless blade, 
And Heaven shall ask the havoc it has made.' 

"The British ship-of-war Drake, mounting twenty guns, with more than 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 53 

her full complement of officers and men. ***** f l^e sliips 
met, and the advantage was disputed with great fortitude on each side 
for an hour and fom* minutes when the gallant commander of the Drake 
fell, and victory declared in favor of the Ranger. The amiable heutenant 
lay mortally wounded, besides near forty of the inferior officers and crew 
killed and wounded. A melancholy demonstration of the uncertainty of 
human prosj^ects, and of the sad reverse of fortune which an hour can 
produce. I buried them in a spacious gi-ave, with the honore due to the 
memory of the brave. 

" Though I have di-awn my sword in the present generous struggle for 
the rights of men, yet I am not in arms as an American, nor am I in 
pursuit of riches. My fortune is hberal enough, having no wife nor family, 
and hanng hved long enough to know that riches cannot insure happiness. 
I profess myself a citizen of the world, totally unfettered by the httle, 
mean distinctions of climate or of country, which diminish the benevolence 
of the heart and set bounds to philanthropy. Before this war was begun, 
I had, at an early time of life, withdi-a^vn from sea ser\dce, in favor of 
*calm contemplation and poetic ease.' I have sacrificed not only my 
favorite scheme of life, but the softer affections of the heart, and my 
prospects of domestic happiness, and I am ready to sacrifice my hfe also 
with cheerfulness, if that forfeiture could restore peace and goodwill among 
mankind. 

" As the feehngs of your gentle bosom cannot but be congenial with 
mine, let me entreat you, Madam, to use your pereuasive art with your 
husband's, to endeavor to stop this cruel and destructive war, in which 
Britain never can succeed. Heaven can never countenance the barbarous 
and unmanly practice of the Britoas in America, which savages would 
blush at, and which, if not discontinued, will soon be retahated on Britain 
by a justly enraged people. Should you fail in this, (for I am pereuaded 
that you will attempt it, — and who can resist the power of such an 
advocate?) your endeavors to effect a general exchange of prisoners, 
mil be an act of humanity which vnl\ afford you golden feeling-s on a 
death-bed. 

" I hope this cruel contest will soon be closed ; but, should it continue, 
I wage no war with the fair. I acknowledge their force, and bend before it 
with submission. Let not, therefore, the amiable Countess of Selkirk 
regard me as an enemy. I am ambitious of her esteem and fiiendship, 
and would do anything, consistent with my duty, to merit it. 

" The honor of a hue fi-om your hand, in answer to this, will lay me 
under a singular obhgation; and if I can render you any acceptable 
service in France or elsewhere, I hope you see into my character so far as 
to command me without the least grain of reserve. 



64 LIFE OF JOHN PATL JONES. 

" I wish to know exactly the behavior of my people ; as I determine to 
punish them, if they have exceeded their hberty. 

" I am, Madam, wth sentiments of the highest respect, 

" Yom- Ladyship's most obedient, humble servant, 

;■ "Paul Jones.'' 

On the subject of Captain Jones's offer to restore the plate 
taken from the residence of Lord Selkirk, there is a letter from 
Dr. Franklin, evincing rather a proud disposition in the Scotch 
peer, and indicative of his disinclination to accept a favor of 
the kind from Jones. It follows : — 

'' Passy, Feb. 2Uh, 1779. 
" Dear Captain, 
" Mr. Alexander called here this morning to dehver a little message to 
be communicated to you, from Lord Selkirk. The purport was, that his 
lordship had written an answer to your letter : which answer, after having 
been detained many months in the post-office, had been sent back to him. 
That, as to the proposition of returning the plate, if it was made by order 
of Congress, or any public body, he would accept of it, and endeavor to 
make suitable returns for the favor ; but if by a private person's generosity, 
the captain's, for instance, he could by no means receive it. You will 
now judge whether it is worth while to give yourself any farther trouble 
about that matter. 

" I am, with great regard, dear Sir, 

" Your most obedient humble servant, 

" B. Franklin." 

On the 1st of March, 1780, Jones wrote again to Lady Selkirk, 
as follows : — 

'T Orient, March 1st, 1780. 

" The Right Hon. the Countess of Selkirk, 
&c. &c. Sl. Mary's Isle, Scotland. 
" Madam, 
" It is now ten or eleven months since his Excellency Benjamin Franklin, 
Esq., Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America at the 
Court of France, communicated to me a message from the earl, your 
husband, in a letter to his friend, Mr. Alexander, at Paris, in substance as 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 55 

follows : — That he, the Earl of Selkirk, had written an answer to the letter 
that I had the honor to write to your ladyship in May, 17*78, fi-om Brest, 
respecting your plate ; which answer, after being detained for several 
months at London, in the general post-office, had been returned to 
Scotland. He, therefore, wished Mr. Alexander to inform the concerned, 
that if the plate was to be restored by Congress, or by any public body, it 
would be accepted, &c. ; but if, through the generosity of an individual, 
his delicacy would scruple to receive it, &c. 

" The true reason why I have not written to you since I received the 
above information, has been, because the plate is but now come into my 
possession from the public agents ; and I have, besides, been, for the 
greatest part of the time, absent from this kingdom. 

" I have now the satisfaction to inform you, that Congress has 
relinquished their real or supposed interest in the plate, and, for my own 
part, I scorn to add to my fortune by such an acquisition. As for the 
part claimed by the few men who landed with me on St. Mary's Isle, it is 
of little consequence, and they are already satisfied. Thus you see, 
madam, that the earl's objection is removed. 

" The plate is lodged here in the hands of Messre. Gourlade & Moylan, 
who hold it at your disposal, and will forward it agreeable to your orders, 
by land or by water to Holland, Ostend, or any other port you think 
proper. 

" I shall be happy, by my conduct through life, to merit the good 
opinion of the Earl and Countess of Selkirk ; for I am, with great esteem 
and profound respect. Madam, your ladyship's most obedient and most 
himible servant, 

" Paul Jones." 



''Paris, Sept. 2Uh, 1784. 
"To Capt. Paul Jones, Paris. 

" Sir, 

" M. the Count de Vergennes has delivered to me the letter which you 
had written to him, to ask his permission to transport by land from 
L'Orient to Calais the plate of Lady Selkirk, which you had permitted to 
be taken by your people during the last war, and which you afterward 
purchased to return to her ladyship. 

" That action, sir, is worthy of the reputation which you acquired by 
your conduct, and proves that true valor perfectly agrees with humanity 
and generosity. 

" It gives me pleasure to concur in the execution of this honorable 
proceeding. 



56 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" I have, therefore, given orders to the Farmer's General to permit the 
transportation of the plate fi'om L'Orient to Calais, free of duty, and you 
may write to your correspondent at L'Orient to deliver it to the director 
of the posts, who will take upon himself the care of having it transported 
to Calais, and to fulfil all the necessary formalities. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

"De Calonne." 



''Paris, Nov. 8th, 1784. 
" The Right Hon. the Countess of Selkirk. 
" Madam, 

" Since the moment when I found myself under the necessity to permit 
my men to demand and carry off your family plate, it has been my 
constant intention to restore it to you, and I wrote to joxi to that effect 
from Brest, the moment I had arrived there from my expedition in the 
Irish Sea. 

" By the letter which I had the honor to write to Lork Selkirk, the 12th 
of February last, which will accompany this, I have explained the 
difficulties that prevented the plate from being restored until that time. I 
had expectation, all the last summer, that opportunities would have offered 
to send it by sea from L'Orient to London ; but being disappointed, I 
applied to government for leave to transport it through the kingdom by 
land, and the Duke of Dorset has been so obhging as to write to the 
custom-house at Do\'er, requesting them to let it pass to London, without 
being opened. It is now arrived here, and will be forwarded immediately to 
your sister in London, under the lead that has been affixed to the case that 
contains it, by the Farmer's General at L'Orient, and the seal of the Duke 
of Dorset, that has been affixed to it here. The charges to London are 
paid, and I have directed it to be dehvered at the house of your sister. 

" I could have wished to have ended this delicate business by dehvering 
the plate to you at St. Mary's Isle, in Scotland ; but I conform to the 
arrangement made between Lord Selkirk and Mr. Alexander, because I 
have no person in London whom I can charge with the transportation of the 
plate from thence. Enclosed is the inventory that I have just received from 
Mr. Nesbitt, from L'Orient, which I presume you will find to correspond 
with the one he sent last year to Lord Dare, and with the articles which 
you put into the hands of my men. 

" I am, Madam, with sentiments of the highest respect, 
" Your Ladyship's most obedient 

" And most humble servant, 

" Paul Jones." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 57 

'■'■From the Count D'Estaing, Commander of the Fleet of His Most 
Christian Majesty. 

"Paris, Dec. 18th, 1785. 
" To Mr. Paul Jones, Commodore in 
the Navy of the United States. 
" Sir, 
" It is impossible not to take advantage of your kindness. Never lend 
me your journal again, for I must warn you that I shall read it over and 
over, and always with renewed pleasure. It is one of the things which one 
absolutely wants to know by heart. It is not only a lesson of naval and 
military heroism, but, by your conduct to Lord and Lady Selkirk, also 
one of generosity. 

" I am very far fi'om regretting the homage which I have been obliged 
to render to the engagement between the Bon Homme Richard and the 
Serapis ; and although I did not suppose, while writing it,* that it might 
be of any other use than that of procuring an admission into the Society 
of the Cincinnati, I can but be flattered that you have thought it proper 
to insert it among the pieces which are annexed to your journal. 
" I have the honor to be, 

" With the most perfect attachment, 

" Your most obedient servant, 

" ESTAING." 

'^London, August Ath, 1789. 
" Monsieur le Chevaher Paul Jones, a Paris. 
" Sir, 

" I received the letter you wrote to me at the time you sent off my 
plate, in order for restoring it. Had I known where to direct a letter to 
you, at the time it arrived in Scotland, I would then have wrote to you ; 
but not knowing it, nor finding that any of my acquaintance at Edinburgh 
knew it, I was obliged to delay writing till I came here ; when, by means 
of a gentleman connected with America, I was told M. le Grand was your 
banker at Paris, and would take proper care of a letter for you ; therefore 
I enclose this to him. 

"Notwithstanding all the precautions you took for the easy and 
uninterrupted conveyance of the plate, yet it met with considerable delays : 
fii-st at Calais, next at Dover, then at London ; however, it at last arrived 



» In his recommendation of Captain Edward Stack for admission into the Society 
of Cincinnati. 



68 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

at Dumfries, and I dare say quite safe, thougti as yet I have not seen it, 
being then at Edinburgh. 

" I intended to have put an article in the neAvspapers about your having 
returned it ; but before I was informed of its being arrived, some of your 
friends, I suppose, had put it in the Dumfries newspaper, whence it was 
immediately copied into the Edinburgh papers, and thence into the London 
ones. Since that time, I have mentioned it to many people of fashion ; 
and, on all occasions, sir, both now and formerly, I have done you the 
justice to tell, that you made an offer of returning the plate very soon 
after your return to Brest ; and, although you youi-self was not at my 
house, but remained at the shore with your boat, that yet you had your 
ofiicei-s and men in such extraordinary good discipline, that your having 
given them the strictest ordere to behave well, to do no injury of any kind, 
to make no search, but only to bring off" what plate was given them ; that 
in reality they did exactly as ordered, and that not one man offered to stir 
from his post on the outside of the house, nor entered the dooi-s, nor said 
an uncivil word ; that the two officere staid not a quarter of an hour in 
the parlor and butler's pantry, while the butler got the plate together, 
behaved pohtely, and asked for nothing but the plate, and instantly 
marched their men oft* in regular order, and that both officers and men 
behaved in all respects so well, that it would have done credit to the best 
disciphned troops whatever. 

" Some of the English newspapers at that time having put in confused 
accounts of your expedition to Whitehaven and Scotland, I ordered a 
proper one of what happened in Scotland to be put in the London 
newspapers, by a gentleman who was then at my house, by which the 
good conduct and civil behavior of your officers and men was done justice 
to, and attributed to your order, and the good discipline you maintained 
over your people. " I am. Sir, your must humble servant, 

" Selkirk." 

So tiglily did Dr. Franklin and John Adams, the American 
commissioners to the Court of France, appreciate the descent 
upon Whitehaven, that they proposed to recommend the persons 
engaged in it to the Congress, and wrote a letter to Captain 
Jones to that eiFect, of which the subjoined is an extract : 

" Extract of a letter from their Excellencies Benjamin Franklin and 
John Adams, to Captain John Paul Jones, dated Passy, August 10th, 
1778. 
" We shall recommend the men who landed with you at Whitehaven 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 59 

to the favor of Congress, because we ttink they merited it ; but lest our 
recommendation should miscarry, we wish you to recommend them, and 
enclose in your letter an extract of this paragraph of oui-s. As they have 
done themselves so much honor in tliis expedition, perhaps Congress 
would approve of the deduction of the advance at the time of entry, which 
they all received from me, being made from their wages in America, that 
the men may have their piize money here." 

Captain Jones, indeed, according to a letter which he 
addressed to the Marine Committee of Congress, was the first 
to suggest to the American commissioners the propriety of 
rewarding the brave men who had been concerned in that 
enterprise. Less anxious about his own fortune than that of 
those who served with him, and merited an extraordinary 
recompense ; he was the invariable friend of the praiseworthy 
seamen, whose rights he was ever ready to support, and whose 
interests he never failed to advance, when a favorable opportu- 
nity offered itself for his interposition : 

''Brest, August 18tk, 1778. 

" To the Honorable the Marine Committee. 
" Gentlemen, 

" It is evident from the above extract, that the letter from which it is 
taken was written in compUance with my particular request to the 
Commissioners. It was my intention, from the beginning, to beseech you 
also to recommend the men who landed with me at Whitehaven, to the 
bounty of Congress. That service being unprecedented in latter wai-s, 
accounts for the extreme difficulty which I found prevaihng with the 
handful of men, who, at last, reluctantly undertook it. — The men, however, 
have in my judgment well merited a reward, and the bestowing it liberally 
on so few would, I hope, have a happy effect in prompting others to 
attempt still greater enterprises, with such spirit and unanimity as will 
generally ensure success, and lead to the most glorious ^'ictory. 

" For me, if I have done my duty, the continued approbation of 
Congress, and the Marine Committee, will make me rich indeed, and far 
more than reward me for a life of service devoted from principles of 
philanthropy, to support the .dignity of human nature. 

" The Court of France having made apphcation without my knowledge 



60 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

to the commissioners, that I should remain for a httle time in Europe, and 
they having consented, Congress will, I flatter myself, approve of my 
having also consented to oblige a com-t, who has asked such a trifle, as a 
favor, and to whom America owes such superior obligations. I will, 
however, command only under freedom's flag, which I have endeavored 
to support since it was fii-st displayed. I will be always ready to return to 
America, and I hope with some improvement and increase of knowledge 
in Marine afiairs. 

" I am, with unfeigned sentiments of esteem, 
" and grateful respect, 

" Gentlemen, yours, &c." 

The Ranger returned from lier cruize, and came to anchor in 
the road of Brest, on the 9th of May, 1YT8. Unhappy differ- 
ences still prevailed between Captain Jones and his first 
lieutenant, whom he accused of disobedience of orders, and of 
incessant efforts to introduce insubordination among the seamen. 
Prior to Captain Jones's taking command of the Ranger, at 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, his first lieutenant, whose name 
was Simpson, had instilled into the minds of the crew that 
Jones was not the real commander of the vessel ; that he was, 
indeed, to have the control dm-ing the passage, but that, on his 
arrival in France, the command was to devolve on the lieutenant. 
Disquietudes arose among the men ; Jones and Simpson had 
personal quarrels ; and to such extremities were these unhappy 
differences carried, that the ex]3edition against Whitehaven was 
near miscarrying, and the Drake escaping the capture which 
awaited her. The enterprises of Capt. Jones being out of the 
ordinary routine of naval service, the seamen did not always 
relish them ; and, carrying their notions of civil government on 
board of a man-of-war, thought they had a just claim to be 
consulted on any occasion when extraordinary duty was to be 
performed. Jones, on the contrary, was a strict disciplinarian, 
required everything to be done in time and place, and enforced 
rigid obedience to the orders of superiors. It is very probable, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 61 

also, that Lieut. Simpson, understanding that Jones was 
repairing to France to take the command of a vessel of a large 
class, did really believe that he was there to leave the Hanger 
under the direction of the Lieutenant, who might have supposed 
that he was to re-conduct her to America. Whatever the 
impressions of Simpson were, and whatever the deportiqent of 
Jones, it is certain that great jealousy and animosity prevailed 
between them, which resulted in the aiTest of the former while 
navigating the Drake to a port in France. Capt. Jones accused 
Lieut. Simpson of disregarding his instructions and signals, 
and by the following wi-itten order suspended him from 
command : — • 

" By John Paul Jones, Esq. Captain in the American JVavy, d'c. 

" Sir, 

" You are hereby appointed Commander of our prize, the English ship- 
of-war the Drake, of 20 guns. You are to put Lieut. Simpson under 
arrest for disobedience of orders. You are to keep company with me, 
and to pay punctual attention to the signals delivered herewith for your 
government. You are to superintend the na%igation and defence of the 
ship under your command, and to support me as much as jDossible should 
we fall in with and engage any of the enemy's ships. 

" The honor of our flag is much concerned in the preservation of this 
prize, therefore keep close by me, and she shall not be given tamely up. 

" You will take your station on the Ranger's starboard quarter, at or 
about the distance of a cable's length. Should bad weather, or any 
accident, separate you from the Ranger, you are to make the best of your 
way to France, and I recommend the port of Brest to your preference. 
You will secure all the books, charts, instruments, and effects, belonging 
to the deceased captain and officers, &c. ; for which this shall be your order. 

" Given on board the American Continental ship-of-war the Ranger, off 
Ushant, the 7th day of May, 1778. 

" John Paul Jones. 
" To Lieut. Elijah Hall, of the American Navy, 
commanding the prize ship the Drake." 

" I certify the above to be a true copy of the original in my possession. 

Elijah Hall. 
Portsmouth, September 8, 1824. 



62 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Wlien Capt. Jones on his arrival at Brest with his prize, 
found it convenient to put the prisoners of war on board the 
Drake, he deemed it necessary to remove Lieut. Simpson to a 
ship lying in the port, called the Admiral, in which he had a 
good state-room, and liberty to walk the deck. He was, 
however, quite restless, and sent a message to the officers and 
crew of the Ranger, that he had been put in prison. This 
excited a considerable sensation, and such was Simpson's 
behavior subsequently that Jones, upon a representation of the 
necessity of it, from Count D'Orvilliers, the French Admiral, 
actually placed the lieutenant in close confinement. Capt. 
Jones, nevertheless, cherished no enmity to Lieut, Simpson. 
On the contrary, he afterwards assented to his liberation ; and, 
when a question arose as to who should command the Ranger 
on her return to America, and it M-as proposed to give it to 
another, it was Jones who interfered in his behalf, and urged 
the propriety of j^lacing Lieut. Simpson in command for the 
purpose of navigating her back to Portsmouth. He accordingly 
took charge of that vessel on the 29th of July, 1778, and 
arrived at Portsmouth on the 16th of October following, having 
made several prizes on the passage home. 

The apprehension which Jones infused along the coasts of 
Great Britain and Ireland by the extraordinary boldness of his 
enterprises against AVhitehaven and St. Mary's Isle, and the 
captm'e of the Drake, is almost inconceivable. Look-out 
vessels we/e constantly kept in motion ; the public attention 
was immediately turned to the construction of fortifications ; 
troops were called out ; and the population on the sea board 
was kept in the most fearful state of alarm. The following 
paragraphs, copied from the " Cumherland Packet^'' of the 
28th April, 1778, give but a faint idea of the frightful 
impressions that Capt. Jones had made upon the minds of the 
British and Irish public. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 63 

"LONDON. 

{From the " Cumberland Packet" of April 28, 1778.) 

" Whitehaven, April 28. — Last Thursday, in consequence of the alarm 
occasioned by the Ranger privateer, Lieut. Holhngsworth, at the request 
of the merchants, took the command of the Hussar, James Gurlc}', 
master, (a cruizer under the inspection of Charles Lutwidge, Esq.) Avith 
an intent to dodge the privateer. She sailed about 10 o'clock in the 
morning, two hours after which she got sight of the privateer which was 
then steering to the north-westward, under an easy sail, the wind about 
N.N.E. and moderate weather. They chased her till they came within 
two or three miles, spoke a boat and sent her express to Kirkcudbright, to 
alarm the coast. About 4 o'clock the ship brought to, being then about 
a league from Borough-Head. She several times altered her position, 
going off and hauling her wind occasionally, which the Hussar observing, 
acted in the same manner, being then two or three miles from her, until 
about seven, when the privateer made all the sail she could to the 
W.S.W. At half past nine the cruizer lost sight of her, then tacked and 
stood for Whitehaven, not knowing (it being night), but she might have 
stood for this place, in order to do more damage. 

" At daylight, perceiving she had not come here, they stood towards 
Kirkcudbright, hoisted out the boat, and sent her on shore to inquire if 
any account had been received of her there. The boat returned with 
intelligence of the pirates having landed about eleven in the forenoon, on 
St. Mary's Isle, and plundered the house of Lord Selkirk, of plate, &c. to 
the amount of 650/. 

" Friday night the Hussar returned, after looking into Wigton Bay, 
fully satisfied that the privateer had steered up the South Channel, and 
consequently quitted these coasts. 

" At the request of the Committee, the Hussar, Capt. Gurley, sailed from 
hence on Sunday night for Belfast, to inquire into the report of the taking 
of his Majesty's sloop the Drake, after which and getting what intelligence 
he can of the Ranger privateer (or any other enemy in the channel), he 
is to return and report the same. And, at the request of the Committee, 
Capt. Perry and Capt. Sharpe are also on board the Hussar in this 
necessary expedition. 

" David Freeman who may, in some respects, be considered as the 
savior of this town, says, ' that the captain of the Ranger declared that 
the destruction of Whitehaven was his first object, seizing the person of 
Lord Selkirk was the next thing he wished, after which he would sail for 
Brest, and on his passage, sink, burn, and destroy whatever fell in his 
way belonging to Great Britain.' 



64 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Other alarming intelligence amved here on Sunday morning, brought 
by the Mary Ann, Capt. Robinson, from Belfast. He arrived about nine, 
and reported on oath, that, on Saturday afternoon, he spoke a boat in the 
Lough of Belfast belonging to the Draper brig of that place, who 
informed him that the Drake sloop-of-war was taken on Friday afternoon, 
and carried away to the northward. Soon after he spoke four fishing 
boats, who all gave the same disagreeable information, having seen the 
engagement between her and three privateers, two rigged as ships, and 
the other a brig. The engagement lasted near two hours, Capt. 
Eobinson further says, that soon after he got clear of the Lough, he saw 
the above ships to the noi'thward of him, their com-ses hauled up, and 
the top-sails on the cap ; but at too great a distance for him to ascertain 
their force. 

" A vessel fi-om the Isle of Man (arrived yesterday) brings an 
account of the Drake having two companies of soldiers on board ; that 
she was taken by a privateer (supposed to be the Ranger) ; she made a 
stout resistance, and in the engagement lost her bowsprit and fore- 
top-mast. 

" The account of the Drake being taken was also brought express from 
the shore to Belfast at 12 o'clock on Friday night. The Drake sailed 
from Belfast on Friday morning full of men. 

" Four companies of the militia are now here. 

" The guns at the forts are all cleaned and put into order ; some are 
also planted on the north wall, and the present measures, it is hoped, 
will be persevered in till the fortifications are thoroughly completed. 
A committee of gentlemen is appointed, and a subscri])tion opened, 
for defraying whatever expenses may be incurred in the defence of the 
town. 

" Sunday last, a company of gentlemen volunteers were formed for the 
protection of the town, exclusive of the ten companies of seamen, &c. 

" The Ohve-Branch, which arrived here on Saturday last, brings an 
account of a large man-of-war being in the channel, and standing 
this way. 

" Saturday last, about twelve at night, a boat full of men attempted to 
land at Workington. Same time a cutter stood in between the perches ; 
but being hailed by the people on guard, who threatened to fire on them, 
they sheered off." 

The following anecdote pertinent to the occasion, and 
illustrating the influence of the terrors inspired by the visit of 
Jones to the coast of Cumberland, is copied from the work of 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 65 

Mr. Henderson, who having explored the whole of Scotland, 
England, and Wales, was pertectly acquainted with that part of 
the country which was the scene of Capt. Jones's exploits in 1778. 
On a reference to Jones's account of his cruize in the Ranger, in 
a preceding page, it will be seen that the wind did change at 
the time of the clergyman's extraordinary prayer to the Divinity, 
which must have confirmed his parishioners in the belief that 
their parson was a particular favorite of heaven : 

" About the time that Jones Aasited Whitehaven, he went round to the 
Firth of Forth, and made his appearance oft' the harbor of Kirkaldy, a 
noted small town on the borders of Fifeshire (called by the Scotch ' Lang 
toun o' Kirkaldy^ owing to its length). No other enemy, liowever 
formidable, could have created in the minds of the inhabitants such 
consternation and alarm as that which then approached. Paul Jones was 
the dread of all, old and young (and pamphlets of his depredations were 
as common in every house as almanacs). He was looked upon as a sea- 
monster, that swallowed up all that came in his power. The people all 
flocked to the shore to watch his movements, expecting the woret conse- 
quences. There was an old Presbyterian minister in the place, a very 
pious and good old man, but of a most singular and eccentric turn, 
especially in addressing the Deity, to whom he would speak with as nuich 
familiarity as he would to an old farmer, and seemingly without respect, 
as will appear from the following. He was soon seen making his way 
through the people with an old black oak arm-chaii', whieli he lugged 
down to low water mark (the tide flowing), and sat down in it. Almost 
out of breath, and rather in a passion, he then began to address the Deity 
in the following singular way : — 

"'Now deed Lord, dinna ye think it's a shame for ye to send this vile 
pireet to rub our folk o' Kirkaldy ; for ye ken they're a' j9?//r enough 
already, and hae tiaethincf to spare. They are a' ffaily ffuid, and it wad 
be SLpeety to serve them in sic in a tva. The wa the wun blaws, he'll be 
here in a jiffie, and wha kens what he may do. He's nane too yuid for 
ony thing. MeickWs the mischief he has dune already. Ony pecket 
gear they hae gathered thegither he will gang wP the heal d't ; may burn 
their hooses, tak their vary claes, and tirl them to the sark ; and waes 
me ! tvha kens but the bluidy villain might tak their hves. The puir 
weemen ere maist freightened out o' their wuts^ and the bairns skirling 
after them. I cayind! tholt! I carina'' iho^lt / I hae been lang afuith/u' 
servant to ye, Laird ; but gin ye dinna turn the tvun about, and blaw the 

5 



66 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

scoimdi'el out of our gate^ I'll na stur a fit^ but will juist sit here, until 
tlie tide comes and drouns me. Sae tak yere wull o't.'' " 



When Captain Jones left the United States for France he 
miderstood that he was destined eventually to take command 
of a frigate of the first class, which had been built for the United 
States in Holland. In this he was disappointed ; and was for 
some time kept in a situation of inactivity and suspense, ill 
suited to his genius and disposition. He had been sent for to 
Paris, and had suggested a number of enterprises to the French 
ministry ; but they were slow in their determinations, and 
Jones, for a time, considered himself neglected, and, in some 
degree, badly treated. His drafts on the American Commis- 
sioners, also, had been protested,* and he felt chagrined at the 
apparent indifference showm to his claims to emplojnoaent, which 
was aggravated by an opinion which he entertained that he 
was regarded at Brest as an officer in disgrace. But Captain 
Jones was not a man to yield to adverse circumstances. He 
combated every difiiculty, repeated and reiterated his applica- 
tions to the minister of the French marine, wrote to Dr. Franklin, 
remonstrated with Mr. Arthur Lee, addressed himself to 
influential persons about the French court, and actually wrote 
a spirited letter to the King of France, Louis XYL, which 
doubtless had its eftect. His feelings and thoughts under the 
various embarrassments which he endured, his views and 
reflections, from the period of his arrival at Brest after the 
capture of the Drake, whilst at Paris, and on his return to Brest 
from that capital until his appointment to the command of the 
Bonhomme Richard, and his retm'n from the cruize which 



* The commissioners explained to Commodore Jones that they had neither 
authority nor funds to make the advances of money which he required. They, 
however, did all in their power, and even exceeded their instructions in assisting 
him. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 67 

ended in the capture of the British frigate Serapis, are so well 
expressed in the subjoined letters and documents, that no 
apology is requisite for their insertion. No writer can so well 
portray the incidents of any transaction as an intelligent 
individual who is personally concerned in it, who originates it, 
and under whose control it is consummated. Captain Jones 
was particularly attentive in committing to paper every public 
event of his life, was remarkably clear in his explanations, and 
extremely precise in commimicating his sentiments to those 
with whom he corresponded : 

"■Ranger, Brest, March 31s<, 1778. 

" M. De Sartine, Minister, and Secretary of ) 
State for the Marine Department. ) 

" Honored Sir, 

" As I have not the honor of being known to you, I hope you wiU 
pardon the liberty I take of enclosing the copy of a letter from the secret 
committee of Congi-ess to the American commissioners in Europe. I must, 
however, acknowledge that the generous praise which Is therein bestowed 
on me by Congress, far exceeds the merit of my services. 

" My reason for laying this letter before you Is, because I am destined 
by Congress to command a frigate of a very large construction lately built 
at Amsterdam, — and as political reasons made it necessary for that frigate 
to become French property, I am now Induced to hope that on her arrival 
In France she will again become the property of America, and of course 
be i)ut under my command. 

" The within extract of a letter dated 10th Feb. last, to the American 
commissionei-s will, I hope, prove to you the real satisfaction with which I 
have anticipated the happy alliance between France and America. — I am, 
sir, convinced that the capture of Lord Howe's light shijjs and frigates in 
America, and the destruction of the enemy's fishery at Newfoundland, 
which might be easily effected this summer, would effectually destroy the 
sinews of their marine, for they would aftei'ward be unable to man their 
fleet : — and as to their army in America, that must fall of couree. 

" I should be ungrateful did I forget to acknowledge the polite 
attentions and favors which I have received from Compte d'Orvilliei-s, M. 
De la Porse, M. la Motte Plcquet, and every officer In this place. 

" The Admiral Count d'Orvllhers has, I doubt not, communicated to 



68 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

you a project of mine. I am, sir, ambitious of being employed in active 
and enterprising services ; — but my ship is of too small a force, and does 
not sail so fast as I could wish. If I am successful I will return to France, 
and hope for your countenance and protection. 

" I have addressed you, sir, with the same freedom which has ever 
marked my correspondence with Congress. The interests of France and 
America are the same ; and as I hope to see the common enemy humbled, 
I shall be happy if I can furnish any hint whereby that event can be 
effected. Meantime, 

" I have the honor to be, 

" with profound respect, &c. 



''Brest, June 1st, 1778. 

"His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin. 
" Honored and Dear Sir, 

"Accept my grateful thanks for your much esteemed favor of 27th ult. 
Such a mark of your good opinion and approbation really affoi'ds me the 
most heartfelt satisfaction. It shall always be my ambition to do my 
duty as far as my judgment and small abihties enable me ; — but you will 
see by the within papers that my roses are not without thorns ; and, 
perhaps, it wU seem romance that I have succeeded, which I am sure I 
should not have done had I not been my own counsellor. 

" Nothing would give me more pleasure than to render essential services 
to America, in any measure which you may find expedient. Should I be 
able to lead my present crew, it can be done only by the seldom failing 
bait for sordid minds, great views of interest. 

" If, iu bringing about the plan you propose, I may take the liberty to 
assure them of the protection of the French flag, in the channel, against 
enemies of superior force, with the free liberty to attack, and take under 
that sanction such of the enemy's ships of war or merchantmen as may be 
met with of equal or inferior force, perhaps I may succeed and gain them 
over by that means, nor will it be necessary to tell them our real object. 

" If I am not at liberty to give them such assurances, and their home- 
sickness should continue, I could wish that such officers as may apj^ear 
dangerously ill, might have liberty to lay down their commissions and 
warrants, — and that others may be given to men of stronger nerves, who 
would be too proud to think themselves servants by the year. I believe 
many such may be found among American subjects in France. 

"If it should be consistent to order the Boston frigate here from 
Bordeaux, perhaps such exchanges might be made as would be for the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 69 

interest and harmony of the service ; and we might perhaps be able to 
assemble a sufficient number of officers to form a com-t. 

" The Due de Chartres has shown me sundry attentions, and expressed 
his inchnation to facilitate my obtaining the ship built at Amsterdam. I 
believe I could easily obtain letters to the same effect from the principal 
people here, but shall take no step without your approbation. If the 
prisoners should be exchanged in Europe, I beheve it would be possible to 
man that ship with Americans. I could have manned two such with 
French volunteers since I arrived. 

" The Ranger is crank, sails slow, and is of a triffing force. Most of the 
enemy's eruizers are more than a match, yet I mean not to complain. I 
demand nothing ; and, although I know that it was the intention of 
Congress to give me that ship, I am now ready to go wherever the service 
calls me. 

" If two or three fast sailing ships could be collected, there is a great 
choice of private enterprises, some of which might succeed and add more 
to the interest and honor of America, than cruizing with twice the force. 
It appears to me to be the province of our infant navy to surprise and 
spread alarms with fast sailing ships. When we grow stronger we can 
meet their fleets, and dispute with them the sovereignty of the ocean. 
These are my private sentiments, and are therefore submitted with the 
utmost diffidence to your superior understanding. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

Extract of a Letter from Com. John Paul Jones to the American 
Commissioners at the Court of France, dated Brest, June 3, 1778. 

" I hope you do not mean to impute to me a desire to receive presents 
of the public money, or even to touch a dollar of it for my own private 
use ; on the contrary, I need not now assert, that I stepped forth at the 
beginning from nobler motives. 

"My accounts before I left America testify that I am more than 1500^. 
in advance for the public service, exclusive of any concern with the sloop- 
of-war Ranger ; and as for wages I have never received any. 

" The Rules whereby Congress have been pleased to command me to 
regulate my conduct in the navy, authorize me to issue my warrant to 
the agent, &c., and I humbly conceive that it is his province to furnish me 
with an estimate of the amount of expenses. A space of sixteen months 
is now elapsed since Congress thought of me, and placed under my 
command seven times my present force, leaving me at full hberty how and 
where to apply it. And if I am not now capable of supporting the 
internal government of a single sloop-of-war, I wish that some person 



70 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

more deserving bad my place, and I in America to answer for my 
misconduct. I have ' VfeW considered,' and yet shall persist in justifying 
the steps which I have taken, and to which you allude. 

" I am happy in having it in my power to furnish you with the inclosed 
resolution of Congress, respecting the capture of the enemy's ships-of-war, 
agreeably to your desire ; and, if you are in possession of any resolution 
of Congi-ess which will authorize me to * * * * * send to America, I 
should be obliged to you for a copy of it." 

Passy, June 5, 1778. 

Plan for JExpeditions submitted hy Com. Jones to the American Pleni- 
potentiaries, and to the French Minister of Marine. 

" As the first proposed will be impeded for some time, in the interval a 
gi'eat variety of projects present themselves, some of which might prove 
of great utility to France and America by distressing the common enemy 
at a small expense. 

" Three very fast saihng frigates, with one or two tendere, might enter 
the Irish channel, and burn at Whitehaven from two to three hundi-ed 
ships, besides the town which contains 50,000 inhabitants ; this would 
render it difficult, if not impossible, to supply L-eland with coal the 
ensuing winter. 

".The same force would be sufficient to take the bank of Ayr in Scotland, 
and to destroy the town, or perhaps the whole shipping in the Clyde with 
the towns and stores of Greenock and Port-Glasgow, provided no alarm 
was first given at other places. The fishery at Cambletown is an object 
worthy attention, and in some of the ports of Ireland ships may perhaps 
be found worth from 150,000 to 200,000?. sterhng each. 

" It might perhaps be equally expedient to alarm Britain on the east 
side, which might be eftected with equal and perhaps inferior force, by 
destroying the coal ship])ing of Newcastle, &c. which would occasion the 
utmost distress for fuel in London ; and there are many towns of 
consequence on the east and north coasts of England and Scotland which 
are defenceless, and might be either burnt or laid under contribution. 

" The success of either these or the like enterprises will depend on 
surprising well, and on despatch both in the attack and in the retreat ; 
therefore it is necessary the ships should sail fast, and that their force 
should be sufficient to repel any of the enemy's cruizing fi'igates, two of 
which may perhaps be met at a time. 

" It is scarcely conceivable how great a panic the success in any one of 
these projects would occasion in England. It would convince the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 71 

world that their coasts are vulnerable, and would consequently hurt their 
pubhc credit. 

" If alarming the coast of Britain should be thought inexpedient, to 
intercept the enemy's West India or Baltic fleets, or their Hudson Bay 
ships, or to destroy then- Greenland fishery are capital objects, which 
promise success if well adopted, and any one of them might be finished 
before the first can take place." 

Fassy, July 17, 17*78. 
"M. De Sartine. 
" My Lord, 

" I should be ungrateful, did I not return my thanks for your kind and 
generous intentions in my favor. My gi-eatest ambition would be to merit 
your future approbation, by my services against the common enemy of 
France and America. Had your first plan taken eflect, the most pleasing 
prospect of success would have been before me. But that now seems a 
distant object. 

" I have no doubt but that many projects, which would promise success, 
might be formed from the hints I had the honor of sending lately for 
your inspection. Had I been intrusted with the chief command, I would 
have been responsible for the consequences. 

"I am bound in honor to communicate faithfully to Congi-ess the 
generous oft'er which the king now makes of lending the Epervier, in the 
mean time to be employed under my command and under the flag of the 
United States of America. I Avould thankfully have accepted this offer 
the moment it was communicated to me, had no difficulties occurred on 
accoimt of the situation of the American funds. I have now under my 
command a ship bound to America. On my arrival there, fi'om the 
former confidence of Congress, I have reason to expect an immediate 
removal into one of their best ships. I have reason, also, to expect the 
chief command of the first squadron destined for an expedition. I have 
in my possession several similar appointments ; and when Congress 
sees fit to appoint admirals, I have assurances that my name will not 
be forgot. 

" These are flattering prospects to a man who has drawn his sword only 
from motives of philanthropy, and in support of the dignity of human 
nature. But, as I prefer a solid to a shining reputation — a useful to a 
splendid command, — I hold myself ready, with the approbation of the 
American Commissioners at Paris, to be governed by you in any measures 
that may tend to distress and humble the common enemy. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" J. P. Jones." 



72 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Brest, August 24, 1778. 

" His Highness the Prince De Nassau. 
'' My Prince, 

" The honor which you propose to do me, by accompanying me on the 
ocean, fills my heart with the warmest sentiments of gratitude. 

" When your intentions were communicated to me I had under my 
command a ship bound in company with two fine frigates for America, 
where there are now two new ships of 80 guns each, and eight frigates of 
40 guns each, nearly ready for sea. 

" On my arrival there, from the former confidence of Congress, I had 
assurance of an immediate removal into one of their best ships, and to 
have been appointed to command the first squadron which they thought 
fit to destine for any piivate expedition. Before I came to Europe, 
Congress honored me with several such appointments, and I had assurance 
that when admirals were appointed my name would be remembered. 

" These, my Prince, were flattering prospects to a man who drew his 
sword only from principles of philanthropy and in support of the dignity 
of human nature ; and these are the prospects which I have voluntarily 
laid aside that I may pursue glory in your company. 

" SuSer me not therefore, I beseech you, to continue longer in this 
shameful inactivity ; such dishonor is worse to me than a thousand deaths. 
I have already lost the golden season, the summer, which in war is of 
more value than all the rest of the year. I appear here as a person cast 
ofi" and useless, and when any one asks me what I purpose to do, I am 
unable to answer. 

" Had this been my first or second disappointment I should have said 
nothing concerning it. After various other objects had misgiven before I 
left Passy, which M. de Sartine had thought of to keep me employed, 
until the scheme wherein you were concerned could take place, I was 
ordered down here at so short a notice, that I had not time, before my 
departure, to take leave of you ; yet, on my arrival here, I found that 
what had been proposed for me was bestowed on othei-s. I then offered 
to follow Count D'Orvilliers as a volunteer, agreeably to his kind invitation ; 
but M. de la Prevalaye will not permit this, it not being mentioned in his 
orders. 

" I have, my Prince, been unaccustomed to ask any favors, even from 
Congi-ess, for I am not in pursuit of interest ; — yet, let me beseech you to 
represent my situation to the best of kings, that I may, with you, be 
forthwith enabled to pursue glory, and humble the common enemy of 
humanity. 

" If the ship that was at first proposed cannot with certainty be got 
ready for sea next month, you, my Prince, can obtain another, with the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. fS 

Epervier and the Alert, tendei-s. There is a fine frigate at L'Orient, built 
on the same construction with the ship at first proposed, and mounted 
with eighteen-pounders. This ship has been at India, is known to sail 
fast, and may, perhaps, be obtained, till it is seen whether the other can 
be got out. 

" If this ship is refused, there are many other fine frigates newly built 
at St. Maloes, and other places, to which I hear of no commanders being 
appointed. I have the greatest dependence on the generous intentions of 
that great minister, M. de Sartine, but I cannot every day intrude on him 
with letters, and, in the multiphcity and importance of his aflfairs, my 
concerns may escape his memory. 

" I wish for the honor of a letter from your own hand ; — though I 
cannot write in French, yet I understand letters which ai'e written in that 
language ; and I have with me now a lieutenant that speaks it well. 

"My Prince, yours," &c. 



^^ Brest, August 2Uh, 1778. 

" His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin. 
" Honored and Dear Sir, 

" Had I indulged my inchnation since my return, I should have already 
troubled you with sundry letters. I must not, however, abuse the 
indulgent liberty which you gave me at parting, and I have, therefore, 
been more troublesome to Dr. Bancroft. 

" I wish not to be thought too impatient, but you know, my dear sir, 
that this is the nice moment, when I ought to be either in search of 
marine knowledge with Count D'Orvilliei-s, or in search of honor in 
attempting some private enterprise. Before I was at liberty to go, the 
good old count pressed me much to accompany him ; but since Dr. 
Bancroft has informed me that it would be agreeable to the minister that 
I should, I have been precluded from following the fleet, as the present 
commandant has no orders for that purpose. 

" Thus circumstanced, without employment, and, in appearance, cast off, 
I have wi-itten the within letter to the Prince de Nassau, which I leave 
open for your perusal. Should you iind the whole, or any part of it, 
improper, I beg of you to withhold it. 

" After all my disappointments, I am yet persuaded that the court had, 
from the beginning, and still have, intentions in my favor, since you know 
the connexion was not of my seeking. 

" I am, with the highest sense of your friendship and goodness, 

" Honored and dear Sir, yours," &c. 



74: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

^^ Brest, August 28th, 1118. 

" His Excellency, Count D'Orvilliers, General ) 
and Commander-in-Chief of the Bi*est Fleet. ) 

"Honored and Dear Sir, 

" When you kindly proposed that I should accompany you on board 
the Bretagne, I had been ordered from Paris for a private expedition. I 
was, indeed, sorry that I could not then think myself at liberty to accept 
your very polite and friendly oiFer. 

" Though I have not, to this moment, received a word from the minister 
since I returned here, yet I have understood, from a friend at Paris, that 
M. de Sartine at last agreed that I should embark with you. On receiving 
this information, I immediately applied to M. de la Prevalaye for a passage 
in the fii-st ship to join the fleet ; but he says he will not permit my 
embarkation without orders from the minister, or from you. 

" This, my dear sir, is the principal reason why I now trouble you. I 
was ambitious of the honor of attending you on the first campaign, where 
you acquired so much glory; but M. de Sartine would not then permit 
me to go. I must now, therefore, beg the favor of you, should you send 
in any vessel with letters, that you will give directions to M. de la 
Prevalaye, to permit my embarkation to join you. I ardently wish to 
attend you Avith my eyes, even to the pinnacle of fame, and to learn from 
so great and good a general, how I may hereafter ascend the slippery 
precipice beyond which the edifice is erected." 



"Brest, September 13th, 1778. 
" M. DE Sartine. 

"Honored Sir, 

" "When his Excellency, Dr. Franklin, first informed me that you had 
condescended to think me worthy your notice, I took such pleasure in 
reflecting on the happy alhance between France and America, that I was 
really flattered, and entertained a grateful sense of the honor which you 
proposed for me, as well as the favor which the king proposed for America, 
by putting so fine a ship of war as the Indien under my command, and 
under its flag, with unlimited orders. 

" In obedience to your desire I came to Versailles ; and was taught to 
believe that my intended ship was in deep water, and ready for sea. But, 
when the prince returned, I received fi'om him the account that the Indien 
could not be got afloat under three months. 

"To employ this interval usefully, I offered to accompany Compte 
D'Orvilhers as a volunteer, which you thought fit to reject. I had, then, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. Y5 

the satisfaction to find that you approved, in general, of a variety of hints 
for private enterprises, which I had presented for your consideration, and 
was flattered with assurances from M. le Ray de Chaumont and Bodwain, 
that three of the finest frigates in France, with two tenders, and a number 
of troops, should be immediately put under my command, and I should 
be at liberty to pursue such of my projects as I thought proper. But this 
fell to nothing, in the moment when I thought that the king's signature 
only was wanting. 

"Another inferior armament, from L'Orient, was proposed, to be put 
under my command, which was by no means equal to the services that 
were expected from it ; for speed and force, both requisite, were wanting. 
Happily for me, this also failed, and I was saved from a dreadful prospect 
of ruin and dishonor. 

"I had so entire a reliance that you would require nothing of me 
inconsistent with my rank and honor, that the moment you commanded, I 
came down with such haste that, although my curiosity led me to look at 
the armament at L'Orient, yet I was but three days from Passy till I 
reached Brest. Here, too, I drew a blank. But when I saw the Lively, 
it was no disappointment, as that ship, in sailing and equipment, is far 
inferior to the Ranger. 

" My only disappointment here, is being precluded embarking with 
Compte D'Orvilliei"s in pursuit of marine knowledge. 

" I am not a mere adventurer of fortune. Stimulated by reason and 
philanthropy, I laid aside the enjoyments of private life, and embarked 
under the flag of America when it was first displayed. In this line my 
desire of fame is infinite ; and I must not so far forget my own honor, and 
what I owe to my friends and to America, as to remain inactive. My rank 
knows no superior in the American marine. I have long since been 
appointed to command an expedition with five of its ships, and I can 
receive orders from no junior or inferior officer whatever. 

" I have been here in the most tormenting suspense for more than a 
month since my return, and agreeable to your desire, as mentioned to me 
by M. de Chaumont. 

" Circular letters were sent the 8th of last month from the English 
Admiralty, because they expected me to pay another visit with four ships. 
Therefore, I trust, that if the Indien is not to be got out, you will not 
substitute a force unequal in strength and sailing to the enemy's cruizing 
ships. 

" I do not wish to interfere with the harmony of the French marine ; 
but if I am still thought worthy your attention, I shall hope for a separate 
command, with hberal orders : — if, on the contrary, you have no farther 
occasion for my services, I have then only to ask the Alert, and a few 



76 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

seamen, with permission to retm-n in that small vessel to America before 
winter. 

" I am happy to hear that the frigates fi-om St. Malo have been 
successful near Shetland. Had Count D'Estaign arrived in the Delaware 
a few days sooner, he might have made a most glorious and easy conquest. 
Many other successful projects may be adopted from hints which I had the 
honor to draw up, and if I can still furnish more, or execute any of those 
furnished, so as to distress and humble the common enemy, it will afford 
me the truest satisfaction. 

" I am ambitious to merit the honor of yom- friendship, and am fully 
persuaded that I address a noble-minded man who will not be offended 
with the honest fi-eedom which has always marked my con-espondence. 
" I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c." 

Extract to His Excellency Benjaj^iin Fkanklin, dated 

^' Brest, September 14, lYTS. 
"Honored and Dear Sir, 

" I yesterday took the resolution to Avi-ite the inclosed exphcit letter to 
the minister. I should not have mentioned my rank, had it not been 
hinted that it was proposed to send me from St. Maloes under command 
of French heutenants. The frigates were sent in consequence of a hint 
from me, and though I am neglected, I hope they have been very 
successful. 

" It is vain for the minister to pretend he has no ships to bestow, as I 
know to the contrary." 

Extract of a Letter to the same, dated 

^^ Brest, September 18, 1778. 
" I have seen the Fox, mounting 24 guns (taken formerly by the 
Hancock and Adams), and would accept of that ship attended by the 
Alert, unless something better is immediately bestowed. I shall, with 
this command, expect unlimited ordei"s." 

Extract of a Letter to the same, dated 

" Brest, November 27, 1778. 

" Lieut. Amiel has exercised with me patience for foui' months in this 
place, without society or hospitality. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JOKES. 77 

" Let them give me but powers, and I will find a ship and men withoiit 
loss of time. I will undertake, if necessarj-, at the risk of my private 
property, that the seamen's wages shall be either paid from the public 
funds in Aroerica, or from the part of prizes usually claimed by the 
American Government. 

" Your silence has hurt me ; though I am sensible I owe much to your 
good offices and wishes. 

" I have read and considered well all my past letters, and find nothing 
that I wish I had omitted, or that I conceive could have altered any person 
before my friend." 

''Brest, September 21, 1778. 

" His Royal Highness le Due de Chartres. 
"My Prince, 

" I should be ungrateful did I not entertain the deepest sense of the 
obhgation which you conferred on me by your letters to the Palais Royal 
aud Versailles, in June last. 

" I was at that time happy in being sent for privately to his Excellency 
Dr. Franklin, at the desire of M. de Sartine, who proposed to bestow on 
me a very honorable command. 

" I was flattered with the assurances that three frigates, two tenders, 
and a number of troops, should be immediately put under my conmiand, 
to pui-sue such projects as I thought proper. This plan tailed. Another 
was proposed where the force was unequal to what was expected from the 
service. Happily for me this also failed. 

" I was then ordered to the command of the Lively to join some 
frigates on an expedition from St. Maloes. I arrived in Brest in three 
days from Passy, and found the Lively had been given to another ; but 
this disappointment pleased me, when I found that the Lively was quite 
inferior to the Ranger. 

" I do not wish to interfere wnth the harmony of the French marine ; 
but we fight in a common cause, and it is the interest of both to distress 
and humble an enemy who arrogates to himself the sovereigTity of the 
ocean. I could have been serviceable had my hands been at hberty in the 
summer. 

" I would accept of the as a , rather than undergo 

the mortification of returning to America unemployed, after having 
written to Congress that I am detained in Europe by the particular desire 
of the Com-t of France. If the minister has no farther occasion for my 
services, I have then only to ask permission to have the Alert, and to 
carry with me to America his good opinion, before the winter. 

" As, in my present mysterious situation here, I am considered an officer 



T8 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

in disgrace, I am pei-suaded I need make no farther apology to a brave 
officer and a noble minded prince for the liberty I take. 

" The honor your letters procured me at the Palays Royal, wiU be ever 
remembered with gratitude. 

" Ambitious to merit your friendship and favor, 

" I am, with great esteem and profound respect, <fec." 

''Brest, October 19, 17 VS. 
"His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 
"Honored and Dear Sir, 

" I hope you vnll find the within letter (to the king) entirely free from 
asperity or ill nature. I have l>een, and am in the eyes of Brest and the 
French marine, considered as having incurred your displeasure, and being 
consequently in disgrace. 

"The Commissioners' refusal of my bill, my journey to Paris without 
any visible reason, the cabals and misrepresentations of Lieutenant 
Simpson, and my present inactivity, are held to be so many circumstantial 
proofs ; and my dishonor is now so firmly believed everywhere that it is in 
vain for me to assert the contrary; such a situation destroys my peace of 
mind, and is incompatible with my sensibility, yet I am far more affected 
by the indignity that has been shown through me to yourself and to 
America, than on my own account. 

"My heart cannot forgive the minister, till he makes whole my injured 
honor by a direct apology, and atonement for the past. 

" My letter to the king cannot, I think, do harm, and unless you 
disapprove it, I beg that it may have course. The Duchess de Chartres 
will, I am persuaded, undertake to deliver it into the king's hands, and as 
you may not think fit at present to appear in the business, either the 
Due de Rochefacault or your grandson will oblige me by waiting on her 
at the Palays Royal. The Due de Rochefacault as he undei-stands English 
well, and is acquainted with the circumstances, would obhge me much if he 
could be present when the letter is presented to the king. I do not wish 
to trouble the Due de Chartres about this affair, as that brave Prince has 
undeservedly met wth vexations of his own. Let not your delicacy 
prevent my having the honor of hearing from you, for so far am I from 
blaming you as the cause of my unhappiness, that I am entirely convinced 
that you had no other motive than my honor and promotion as con- 
sistent with the public good. I am consequently with the veneration and 
affection of a son who ardently wishes to render himself worthy your 
regard, 

" Honored and dear Sir, 

" Yours, (fee. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 79 

''Brest, October 19, IT 78. 

" His Most Christian Majesty, Louis, 

King of France and Navarre. 
" Sire, 

" After my return to Brest in the American ship-of-war the Ranger 
from the Irish Channel, his Excellency, Dr. Franklin, informed me by 
letter, dated June 1st, that M. de Sartine, having a good opinion of my 
conduct and bravery, had determined, with your Majesty's consent and 
approbation, to give me the command of the ship-of-war the Indien which 
was built at Amsterdam for America, but afterwards for political reasons 
made the property of France. I was to act with unlimited orders under 
the commission and flag of America. And the Prince de Nassau 
proposed to accompany me on the ocean. 

" I was deeply penetrated with a sense of the honor done me by this 
proposition, as well as of the favor which your Majesty intended thereby 
to confer on America, and I accepted the offer with the greater pleasure 
as the Congress had sent me to Europe in the Ranger to command the 
Indien, before the ownership of that vessel was changed. 

" The minister desired to see me at Versailles, to settle future plans of 
operations, and I attended him for that purpose. I was told that the 
Indien was at the Texel, completely armed and fitted for sea, but the 
Prince de Nassau was sent express to Holland, and returned with a very 
different account — the ship was at Amsterdam, and could not be got afloat 
or armed before the September equinox. 

" The American plenipotentiaries proposed that I should return to 
America; and as I had been appointed repeatedly to the chief command 
of an American squadron to execute secret enterprises, it was not doubted 
but that Congress would again show me a preference. M. de Sartine, 
however, thought proper to prevent my departure by writing to the 
plenipotentiaries (wthout my knowledge), requesting that I might be 
permitted to remain in Europe, and that the Ranger might be sent back 
to America under another commander, he having special ser\'ices which 
he wished me to execute. This request they readily granted, and I was 
flattered by the prospect of being enabled to testify by my services my 
gratitude to your Majesty as the first prince who has so generously 
acknowledged our independence. 

" There was an interval of more than three months before the Indien 
could be got afloat. To employ that period usefully, when your majesty's 
fleet was ordered to sail fi-om Brest, I proposed to the minister to embark 
in it as a volunteer, in pursuit of marine knowledge. He objected to this, 
but at the same time approved of a variety of hints for private enterprises, 
which I had drawn up for his consideration. 



80 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Two gentlemen Avere appointed to settle with me the plans that were 
to be adopted — who gave me assurance that three of the best frigates in 
France, with two tenders, and a number of boats, should be immediately 
pxit imder my command, and to pursue such of my own projects as I 
thought proper; but this fell to nothing, when I believed that your 
majesty's signature only was wanting. 

" Another armament, comj30sed of cutters and small vessels at L'Orient, 
was proposed to be put under my command, to alarm the coasts of 
England, and check the Jersey privateers ; but happily for me this also 
failed, and I was saved fi*om ruin and dishonor ; for, as I now find, all the 
vessels sailed slow, and their united force was very insignificant. 

" The minister then thought fit that I should return to Brest to 
command the Lively, and join some frigates on an expedition from St. 
Malo to the North Sea. I returned in haste for that purpose, and found 
that the Lively had been bestowed at Brest, before the minister had 
mentioned that ship to me at Versailles. This was, however, another 
fortunate disappointment, as the Lively proves, both in sailing and 
equipment, much infei'ior to the Eanger, but more especially if it be true, 
as I have since understood, that the minister intended to give the chief 
command of the expedition to a lieutenant, which would have occasioned 
a very disagi'eeable misunderstanding ; for, as an officer of the first rank 
in the American marine, who has ever been honored with the fa\"or and 
friendship of Congress, I can receive orders from no inferior officer whatever. 
My plan was the destruction of the English Baltic fleet, of great conse- 
quence to the enemy's marine, and then only protected by a single frigate ! 
I would have held myself responsible for its success had I commanded the 
expedition. 

" M. de Sartine afterward sent orders to Count D'Or\a]liers to receive 
me on board the fleet, agreeable to my former ])roposal, but the order did 
not arrive until after the departiu-e of the fleet the last time from Brest, nor 
was I made acquainted with the circumstance before the fleet returned here. 

" Thus have I been chained down to shameful inactivity for nearly five 
months. I have lost the best season of the year, and such opportunities 
of serving my country and acquiring honor as I cannot again expect this 
war; and, to my infinite mortification, having no command, I am 
considered everywhere an officer cast oflT, and in disgrace for secret 
reasons. 

" I have written respectful letters to the minister, none of which has he 
condescended to answer. I have written to the Prince of Nassau with as 
httle eflfect, and I do not understand that any apology has been made to 
the great and venerable Dr. Franklin, whom the minister has made the 
instrument of bringing me into such unmerited trouble. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 81 

"Having wi-itten to Congress to reserve no command for me in 
America, my sensibility is the more affected by this unworthy situation in 
the sight of your majesty's fleet. I however make no remark on the 
treatment I have received. 

" Although I wish not to become my own panegyrist, I must beg your 
majesty's permission to observe, that I am not an adventurer in search of 
fortune, of which, thank God, I have a sufficiency. 

" When the American bannere were first displayed, I drew my sword in 
support of the violated dignity and rights of human nature ; and both 
honor and duty prompt me stead&stly to continue the righteous pursuit, 
and to sacrifice to it not only my private enjoyments, but even life, if 
necessary. I must acknowledge that the generous praise which I have 
received from Congress and others, exceeds the merit of my past services, 
therefore I the more ardently wish for future o'pportunities of testifying 
my gratitude hy my activity. 

" As your majesty, by espousing the cause of America, has become the 
' protector of the rights of human nature,' I am persuaded that you will 
not disregard my situation, nor suffer me to remain any longer in this 
insupportable disgi-ace. 

" I am, with perfect gratitude and profound respect, 
" Sire, 
" Your Majesty's very obliged, very obedient, 

" And very humble servant, 

"J. P.JONKS." 



» Brest, October 19th, 111 8. 
" To Madame la Duchesse de Chartres. 
" Madam, 
" The business which brought me from Brest to Paris last summer, 
when I had the pleasure of paying my respects to your royal highness, 
afforded me a very fair prospect of being enabled immediately to pay a 
much more successful visit to the enemy's coast than that from which I 
was then returned. I appeared at Versailles by the particular desire of 
M. de Sartine, who, in consequence of the high opinion he professed to 
have of my conduct and bravery, voluntarily proposed (as I understood 
with the consent and approbation of his majesty), to bestow on me a very 
honorable command ; he ha\'ing written a letter to their excellencies the 
American plenipotentiaries requesting as a favor that I might be permitted 
to rema,in in Europe. Yet the minister has made no apology for all this, 
either to myself (who did not seek after the commission), nor to his 
excellency Dr. Frankhn, through whom it was accepted. 

6 



82 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" I had the honor to furnish the minister with a number of plans, which 
he approved, for secret expeditions, but the various armaments which have 
been proposed to be put under my command to pursue my own projects, 
every one of these armaments have fallen to nothing, some of them even 
at the moment when I was taught to beheve that the king's signature 
alone was wanting. Thus have I been trifled with for nearly five months, 
the best season of the year, and such opportunities of serving my country 
and acquiring honors, as I again expect in the course of the war, are lost. 
I have written to Congress to reserve no command for me in America, 
and to my inexpressible mortification, having no command here, I am 
considered everywhere as an officer in disgrace. I am not an adventurer 
in search of fortune ; on the contrary, I laid aside my enjoyments of private 
hfe, and drew my sword at the commencement of this war only in support 
of the dignity and violated rights of human nature ; and honored as I am 
with the favor and friendship of Congress, both honor and duty prompt 
me steadfastly to persevere till these rights are estabUshed, or lose my hfe 
in the righteous pursuit. But as I see no prospect of being soon relieved 
from this unworthy situation, I have written the enclosed letter to his 
majesty, which I must beseech your royal highness to present, — you will 
thereby add a singular obhgation to what I already owe to your former 
condescending attention. I should be extremely happy to succeed through 
the influence of so amiable a princess and so powerful an advocate, whom 
I perfectl}^ esteem and respect, being truly and always in the artless 
sincerity of my heart, 

" Madam, 

" Your Royal Highness's very obedient, 

" and very humble servant, 

"J.P.Jones." 



'■'■Brest, November I3tk, 1178. 
^' The Hon. Robert Morris, Philadelphia. 
"Honored and Dear Sir, 

" My fortune has been so chequered since I left Quiberon Bay, that I 
could have sent you no general account of my situation that would not 
have given you more pain than pleasure, and I know that you have 
vexations enough of your own. 

The within papers will show that my roses have not been without a 
superabundance of thorns, and perhaps it will appear romance that I have 
succeeded under circumstances ; which I am sure I should not have done 
had I not been my owti counsellor. 

" I have been here in the most disagreeable situation for five months. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 83 

It lias been urged that the rules of the service -will not admit of giving 
me command of ships detached from the royal marine : — but the great 
obstacle is, that the French officers (though they would gladly think me 
in disgrace) are stung to the soul, and cannot look at me here but with 
rival eyes, their cabals are so high and dangerous that the minister really 
cannot, and dare not do what he wishes. He has, however, authorised 
M. de Chaumont to purchase a ship to my liking, if to be found in any 
private dock or yard in France. 

" What the result of this may be I know not, but I hope it will set me, 
before the spring, once more afloat. 

" It has been to me a most unfortunate connexion, and has, I fear, 
created me some enemies through jealousy, and because I am bound in 
honor not to publish the particulars. 

" I submit the whole to your discretion, with entire confidence as the 
guardian of my honor, to whom I owe the most singular obligations. 

" I shall have the honor to wTite you by future opportunities an account 
of what fortune attends me. Meantime, believe me, 

" I am, with real esteem and affection, 

" Dear Sir, yours," &c. 

" Brest, November 2,\st, 1778. 
" His Excellency, Arthur Lee. 
" Sir, 

" I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 16th cun-ent. It is 
my duty, and will ever afford me pleasure, to give every satisfactory 
information in my power respecting any circumstance that regards the 
public interest, and my conduct as an American officer. In my letter of 
the 3d of June to the commissionei's, I was very particular in accounting 
for the prizes I had taken. On my way from America to Nantz, I took 
two brigs laden with fruit, from Malaga, for London. The one of which 
you inquire arrived at Nantz, and was sold very cheap by Messrs. Morris 
and Williams, the captors' moiety of which was paid them in February, 
agreeable to your letter. This is all that came within my knowledge ; 
but I have understood, and believe, that the latter acted in that business 
by virtue of the authority which he received from the former, to whom I 
made application on my arrival. Should any farther account be necessary, 
I am always ready to give it as for as it lays in my power. 

" If Mr. Lee will for a moment recur to my letter to him, dated on 
board the Ranger the 26th of February last, he will find no reason to 
charge me with want of due respect. The handbill that was enclosed, by 
which I became accountable to those who entered to serve under my 



84: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

command yor the regular payment of their wages^ having been approved 
of by the Marine Committee (as certified to me undet their secretary's 
hand), the pubHc faith was thereby pledged to put it in my power, else I 
should have found other means to fulfil that engagement. And this 
appears to have been Mr. Lee's opinion, when he wrote with his own hand 
a letter of credit in my favor, at Passy, the 10th of January last, now 
before me. 

" The handful of men under my command had been led through many 
dangers of storms and enemies, and, though in want of clothing and 
money, were returned with some credit to Brest, yet when, on the 16th 
of May, I ventured to sign my first draft on the public funds for their 
relief, agreeable to my letter of advice, my signature was dishonored. 

" Neither Dr. Franklin nor ]\fr. Adams were acquainted with my 
engagement to the crew ; but Mr. Lee, who had been better informed, 
concurred to dishonor my draft, and left me with two hundred prisonere 
of war, a number of sick and wounded, an almost naked crew, and a ship, 
after a severe engagement, in want of stores and provisions, from the 9th 
of May till the 13th of June, destitute of any public support ; yet I found 
means to cure my wounded, feed my people, to refit the ship, and guard 
my prisoners. 

" The dishonor that had been done me was known through the French 
fleet and elsewhere ; yet, though I was the first that had appeared at 
Brest and obtained from France the honors due the American flag, I made 
no public complaints, and only expressed my concern by letter to the 
commissioners, at the disgraceful wound which the pul)lic credit had 
suftered through me. And now I beg leave to ask Mr. Lee if I have 
deserved such treatment ? 

" The wretched situation of the crew occasioned murmuring, which was 
artfully fomented by an officer in disgi-ace, who succeeded too well in 
persuading the people that I had deceived them, and that they should 
cast the whole blame upon me, as the hindrance to their receiving wages, 
prize-money, and bounties. In this agitation of their minds he obtained 
from them certificates, &c. to the commissioners in his favor. 

" These poor men were at last dragged away without clothing, having 
only received at Brest eight or nine crovras each, as prize money, the 
moment of their departure, and not being allowed time to lay out that 
trifle, and imprecating general cui-ses on the public service, public agents, 
and all concerned. 

" This is not the way to establish a navy. Congi'ess has made laws 
for its internal government, and appointed the officers alone as magistrates 
to put them into execution. The standing order of the Marine Committee 
has been to preserve strict discipUne in the fleet, and all applications of 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 85 

complaint, either against individuals or numbers, they have rejected 
without answer. It not being, as they have told me, the province of the 
civil power to interfere in the internal government of ships of war. And 
you may now see, that listening to the people of the Ranger, instead of 
doing good, has destroyed even the shadow af subordination. 

" Mr. Amiel has told me that you objected to my receiving copies of 
some papers that concern me, because you thought I had not made a 
respectful apphcation. A copy of it is enclosed, which, though not in 
form of an humble petition, I beheve it will be' difficult to construe into 
disrespect. True respect can never be extorted ; and I will say of myself 
that 

' The tribute of respect to greatness due, 
Not the bribed sycophant more freely pays.' 

" I shall only add, that the dishonor of my bill of exchange has not 
only served to corroborate the ungrateful misrepresentations of Lieut. 
Simpson, but also occasioned the infamous attachment of the Ranger's 
prizes, for the provisions previously furnished by M. Bersolle. 

" I thank you, sir, for your pohte attentions while I was at Paris last 
winter, which I received as a proof of your good opinion, and which I 
have not since forfeited by any misconduct. 

" The apparent mystery of my present situation cannot be imputed to 
me as a fault, or if it is, I am responsible to Congress. I have 
endeavored, in my narrow walk, to pursue a steady hne of duty, wishing 
to offend none. 

" I have the honor to be, 

" With due respect. Sir, yours," &c. 

" Versailles, February 4th, 1119. 

"John P. Jones, Esq., Commander of ) 
the American Navy in Em-ope. [ 
" Sir, 
" I announce to you, that, in consequence of the exposition which I 
have laid before the king, of the distinguished manner in Avhich you have 
served the United States, and of the entire confidence which your conduct 
has merited on the part of Congi-ess, his majesty has thought proper to 
place under your command the ship Duras, of forty guns, at present at 
L'Orient. I am about, in consequence, to issue the necessary orders for 
the complete armament of the said ship. The commission which was 
given you at yom" departure from America, will authorise you to hoist the 



86 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

flag of the United States, and you Avill likewise serve yourself witli the 
powers which have been remitted to you to form your equipage with 
American subjects ; but as you may find too much difficulty in raising a 
sufficient number, the king permits you to levy volunteers until you obtain 
a sufficient number, exclusive of those who are necessary to mancexm-e the 
ship. It shall be my care to procure you the necessary officei-s, and you 
may assure youreelf that I shall contribute everything in my power to 
promote the success of your enterprise. 

" As soon as you are prepared for sea, you will set sail without waiting 
for any ulterior orders ; and you \vill determine yourself the coui-se you 
are to take, whether in the European or American seas, observing always 
to render me an exact account of each event that may take place during 
your cruize, as often as you may enter the ports imder the dominion of 
the king. 

" So flattering a mark of the confidence with which you are honored 
cannot but encourage you to use all yovxr zeal in the common cause, 
persuaded, as I am, that you will justify my opinion on every occasion. 
It only rests with me to recommend to you to show to those prisoners 
who may fall into your hands, those sentiments of humanity which the 
king professes towards his enemies, and to take the greatest care not only 
of your own equipage, but also of all the ships which may be placed under, 
your ordere. 

" I have the honor to be, most perfectly. Sir, 

" Your very humble and very obedient servant, 

" De Sartine. 

" P.S. According to your desire, Sir, I consent that the Duras takes the 
name of the Bon Homme Richard." 



'' Pass;!/, Feb. 6th, 1779. 

" M. de Sartine, Minister of Marine, Versailles. 
" My Lord, 

" I have had the honor to receive your excellency's letter dated the 1st, 
by the hands of Mr. Garnier. I take the earliest opportunity to offer you 
my sincere and grateful thanks for so singular and honorable a mark of 
your confidence and approbation. 

" It shall be my duty to represent in the strongest terms to Congress, 
the generous and voluntary resolution which their great ally, the protector 
of the rights of human nature, and the best of kings, has taken to 
promote the honor of their flag, and I beseech you to assure his Majesty 
that my heart is impressed with the deepest sense of the obhgation which 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 87 

I owe his condescending favor and good opinion, and which it shall be 
my highest ambition to merit, by rendering every service in my power 
to the common cause ; I cannot ensure success, but I will endeavor to 
deserve it. 

" I beg leave to assure your Excellency, that I will carefully observe 
your present as well as future instructions, and that I will communicate to 
you from time to time a faithful account of my proceedings. 

" I wU avail myself of the authority which you have given me to raise 
French volunteei"s to serve as marines, as I fear there may not be easily 
found a sufficient number of American seamen. 

" It has always been my custom to treat my people and prisoners with 
hospitality and kindness, and you may be assured that I shall ever take 
pleasure in promoting the happiness of every pei-son under my command. 

" Your having permitted me to alter the name* of the ship has given 
me a pleasing opportunity of paying a well merited compliment to a great 
and good man to whom I am under obligations, and who honors me with 
his friendship. 

" I am in the fulness and gi-ateful affection of my heart, and with 
perfect esteem and respect, 

" My Lord, 

" Yours, &c." 

" Paris, Ajiril 27, 17 79. 
" Captain John Paul Jones, Commander, &c. 

" Your obliging letter, my dear Sir, is just coming into my hands, as 
I was myself going to write you by M. de Chaumont, who is determined 

* It is a fact not generally known, that the late John Paul Jones, at the time that 
he was attempting to tit out a small squadion during the late war in one of the ports 
of France to cruize on the coast of England, was much delayed by neglects and 
disappointments from the Court that had nearly frustrated his plans. Chance one 
day threw into his hands an old almanac, containing Poor Richard's Maxims, by 
Doctor Franklin. In that curious assemblage of useful instruction a man is advised, 
" if he wishes to have any business faithfully and expeditiously performed, to go on 
it himself ; otherwise, to send." Jones was immediately struck, upon reading this 
maxim, with the impropriety of his past conduct in only sending letters and 
messages to Court when he ought to have gone in person. He instantly set out, and 
by dint of personal representations, procured the immediate equipment of the 
squadron, which afterwards spread terror along the eastern coast of England, and 
with which he so gloriously captured the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, 
British ships-of-war returning from the Baltic. In gratitude to Dr. Franklin's maxim 
he named the principal ship of his squadron after the name of the pretended almanac 
maker, "Le Bon Homme Richard." 



bo LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

to undertake a journey to L'Oricnf^ — I think you are extremely right in 
refusing such guns as would expose your reputation, the lives of your 
men, and even the honor of your flag ; it is not without concern that I 
hear of cannon being promised to any other people but you, and I hope 
these difficulties shall be raised by the ministry. I am just going to add 
some lines to M. de Chaumont that he might take proper orders (if any 
forgotten) along with him. The expedition I want to have soon done, 
because my speedy return about the middle of the summer is somewhat 
useful to the common cause and to the American aftairs ; I therefore hope 
everything will be ready towards the Vth of the next month, and I intend 
to arrive about that time. I am very happy to hear that the Monsieur 
will be with us, we shall also get the Alliance, but, I think, we must not 
if possible put troops on board of her, because there would be disputes 
between the land officers and Capt. Landais. Don't you think, my dear 
Sir, we might have them divided in this way : 

"On board the Bon Homme Richard 50 dragoons and 

150 soldiers, 200 

" On board the Monsieur, ..... 300 

" On board the Pallas, the artillery and . . . 150 

" If you don't hke it, you might have 150 men on board of the Alliance, 
but I fear disputes. 

" M. de Chaumont will make the httle arrangements for the table of 
the officers, &c. ; but I direct him to take your ideas, and I don't wish 
anything but what will seem to you the best calculated for the common 
good and your own agreement, 

" I will have with me a colonel, a major, three volunteering officers, 
and an engineer : two of the young officers may go with another ship to 
avoid the crowd. 

" Though this command is not equal to my military rank, the love of 
the pubhc cause made me very happy to take it ; and as this motive is 
the only one which conducts all my private and pubhc actions, I am sure 
I'll find in you the same zeal, and we shall do as much and more than 
any others would perform in the same situation. Be certain, my dear 
Sir, that I'll be happy to divide with you whatever share of glory may 
expect us, and that my esteem and affection for you is truly felt, and will 
last for ever. 

" I am, my dear Sir, with a sincere regard, 

" Yours, 

" Lafayette. 

" I intend also to take Dr. Bancroft with us, but as I am obliged to 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 89 

leave many good ofBcers to whom I am indebted, I'd rather wish the Irish 
gentleman might not come, unless you have a very particular affection for 
him, in which case I have no objection." 

'T Orient, May 1, lYYO. 
" His Excellency M. De Sartine, &c. 
" My Lokd, 

" I have this day had the honor to receive fi-om the hands of M. de 
Chaumont your Excellency's letter of 27th ult. This unsolicited mark of 
his Majesty's confidence and favor lays me under the deejaest and most 
lasting obhgation ; the sense whereof I shall fully retain to the last horn* 
of my hfe. / 

"If I have any abiUties they shall be exerted to the iitmost in the 
employment of the force entrusted to my command, and I hope my 
conduct will at least deserve success. 

" I am persuaded that no misunderstanding will arise between the 
other* commander and myself, because we love and esteem each other, 
therefore it only remains that I return your Excellency sincere and 
gi-ateful thanks for your polite and kind attention, beseeching you to 
assure the best of kings that I will faithfully communicate to Congress an 
account of the great honor done in France to the Ajnerican flag. 

" I am, and shall always be, with sentiments of grateful esteem 
and respect, and the highest ambition to merit the continuance of your 
favor, 

" My Lord, &c. 

"J. P. Jones." 

'T Orient, May 1,1"* 19. 
" Major General De La Fayette, 

" I have, my dear Marquis, this day had the singiilar pleasure of 
recei-sdng your very esteemed letter by the hands of M. de Chaumont ; so 
flattering and affectionate a proof of your esteem and friendship has made 
an impression on my mind that will attend me while I live. This I hope 
to prove by more than words. Where men of fine feelings are concerned 
there is seldom misunderstanding ; and I am sure I should do violence to 
my sensibihty if I were capable of gi^'ing you a moment's pain by any 
part of my conduct. Therefore, without any apology, I shall expect you 
to point out my errors when we are together alone with perfect freedom, 
and I think I dare promise you your reproof shaU not be lost. 

* The Marquis de Lafayette. 



90 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JOKES. 

" M. de Chaumont is now endeavoring to settle matters -witli respect to 
the cannon. I hope lie will succeed, and if so, the Bon homme Richard 
may soon be got ready. I could say more with respect to the accommoda- 
tion of the men. I hope no difficulty will arise, for she can carry 350 or 
400, should there be occasion. 

" I have received from the good Dr. Franklin instructions at large 
which do honor to his liberal mind, and which it will give me the truest 
satisfaction to execute. 

" I cannot ensure success, but will endeavor to deserve it. 

" With sincere esteem and affection of my heart, and with the truest 
regard and resi^ect, I am always, 

" Yours, &c." 

'' V Orient, May 1, 1779. 
" His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 
" Honored and Dear Sir, 

" The letter I had the honor to receive from you to-day, together with 
yoiu" liberal and noble minded instructions, would make a coward brave. 
You have called up every sentiment of pubUc virtue in my breast, and it 
shall be my pride and ambition, in the strict pursuit of your instructions, 
to deserve success. 

" Be assured that very few prospects could afford me so true a satisfac- 
tion as that of rendering some acceptable service to the common 
cause, and at the same time relieving from captivity (by furnishing the 
means of exchange,) our unfortunate fellow subjects from the hands of 
the enemy. 

" It only remains for me to return your excellency my thanks for past 
instances of your friendship, especially in the last of your particular 
confidence. 

" I am, and shall be to the end of my life, with the most affectionate 
esteem and respect, 

" Honored and Dear Sir, Youi-s." 

''L' Orient, May 13th, 1779. 
" The Hon. John Adams, on board the Alhance. 
" Sir, 
" You will confer on me a singidar obligation by favoring me with your 
opinion and advice, respecting the unhappy misunderetanding which, I am 
told, prevails on board the Alliance. I ask your advice because, though 
I am determined to preserve order and discipline where I command, yet I 
wish to reprove with moderation, and never to punish while there remains 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 91 

a good alternative. It appeai-s that there is fault at least in one of the 
parties, and I wish much to know where the fault lies, for without 
harmony and general good will among the officers I cannot proceed with 
a good prospect. I beseech you to favor me with an answer as soon as 
possible. When I have the honor of seeing you ashore I Avill put into 
your hands a letter which I have received ; in the mean time, if you 
require it, I will promise to keep your answer a secret. 

" I have the honor to be, with sentiments of great respect, 
" Sir, your very obhged, very obedient, 

" Humble servant." 

"Fassi/, May 9 th, 1119. 
" Hon. John Paul Jones. 

"Dear Sir, 

"I received youi-s of the 14th, and communicated to the marquis what 
related to him. I send you enclosed two more commissions, which I have 
found since your departure. It is difficult to revoke commissions once 
given, and there might be some inconvenience in French officei's retaining 
those commissions unrevoked^ after the occasion of giving them is past ; I 
therefore am of opinion that the conclusion might be better thus, ' to 
continue in force during the expedition, or expeditions, intended under the 
command of the honorable J. P. Jones, Esq.' By this means they will 
continue if you should make more expeditions, and become void of 
themselves when the force is dissolved, and the French ships are withdrawn 
from under your command. 

" I am Sony for, and ashamed of the divisions on board the Alliance. 
I hope these commissions will enable you to compose them. I do not 
know enough of the navy law to judge of the propriety of your giving 
commissions to lieutenants, and therefore can give no opinion about it. I 
send you all the warrants I have ; will they not serve instead of 
commissions, till such can be obtained ? My best wishes attend you, 
being ever, 

" Dear Sir, 

" Yom* faithful friend, and most 

" Obedient humble servant, 

" B. Franklin." 

''Paris, May22d, HI 9. 
" The Hon, John Paul Jones. 

" Dear Sir, 

" I dare say you Avill be very sorry to hear that the king's dispositions 



92 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

concerning our plan have been quite altered, and that instead of meeting 
/ou I am now going to take the command of the king's regiment at Jaints. 
What will be further determined about your squadron is yet uncertain, 
and the ministers are to consult it with Dr. FrankUn. Political and 
military reasons have occasioned that alteration of things, and I am only 
to tell you, my good friend, how sorry I feel not to be a witness of your 
success, abihties, and glory. I hope everything will be altered for the 
best, and the more calculated for the common advantage. Be con\inced, 
sir, that nothing could please me more than the pleasure of having again 
something of the kind to undertake with such an officer as Capt. Jones. 
That occasion I shall ever wish for, and I will, I hope, find before the end 
of this war. 

" With the sincerest affection and esteem, 

" I am, dear Sir, yours, 

" Lafayette. 

" P.S. Whatever part of the world you will be in I hope you will let 
me often hear from you." 

" I recognize this as a true copy. — Lafayette. 
" City of Washington, February, 1825." 



" Extracts of letters from the secret correspondence of his Excellency, 
Benjamin Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States 
to the court of Versailles. 

"■ Passy, May 26th, IVYO. 
"To the Committee for Foreign Affairs. 
" Gentlemen, 

" The Marquis de la Fayette, who anived here on the 11th of February, 
brought me yours of October 28th, and the new commission, credentials, 
and instructions the Congress have honored me with. 

" I immediately acquainted the minister for foreign affairs with my 
appointment, and communicated to him, as usual, a copy of my credential 
letter, on which a day was named for my reception. The end of that part 
of the instructions which relates to American seamen taken by the French 
in English ships, had already been obtained ; Capt. Jones haAing had for 
some time an order from court, directed to the keepers of the prisoners, 
requiring them to deliver to him such Americans as should be found in 
their hands, that they might be at liberty to serve under his command. 
Most of them have accordingly been delivered to him, if not all. The 
minister of marine having entertained a high opinion of him from his 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 93 

conduct and bravery in taking the Drake, was desirous of employing him 
in the command of a particular enterprise ; and, to that end, requested us 
to spare him, wliich we did, and sent the Ranger home, under the 
command of his lieutenant. Various accidents have hitherto postponed 
his equipment, l)ut he now has the command of a 50 gun ship, with some 
frigates, all under American commission and colors, fitted out at the king's 
expense, and will sail, it is said, about the 1st of June. The Marquis, de 
la Fayette was, vnth some land troops, to have gone with him ; but I now 
understand the Marquis is not to go, the plan being a little changed. The 
minister of marine requesting that the AUiance might be added to Com, 
Jones's little squadron, and offering to give a passage to Mr. Adams in the 
frigate with the new ambassador, I thought it best to continue her a little 
longer in Europe, hoping she may, in the projected cruize, by her extra- 
ordinary swiftness, be a means of taking prisonei-s enough to redeem the 
rest of our countrymen now in the Enghsh gaols. With this view, as well 
as to oblige the minister, I ordered her to join Capt. Jones at L'Orient, 
and obey his orders, where she now is accordingly.'' 

From M. Le Ray de Chaumont, dated 

'^ r Orient, June 10th, 111 9. 

" M. de Chaumont presents his respects to Mr. Jones, and informs him 
that everything is on board except the powder, which will require only 
two hours, when he may set sail with a favorable wind. 

"M. de Chaumont informs at the same time Mr. Jones, that he will 
have papers to sign before his departure, for the sundry articles which the 
king has furnished to his ship ; therefore M. de C. earnestly entreats Mr. 
Jones not to neglect it, considering the immense expenses which the vessels 
in the port have occasioned to the king. 

" M. de Chaumont reminds Mr. Jones, that M. de Sartine has left to him 
and to M. Landais the choice of two excellent American pilots, to be 
embarked on board the king's frigate La Sensible. 

" M. de Chaumont thinks it his duty to remind Mr. Jones of a commu- 
nication he has made to him against M. Amiel, his first lieutenant, from 
which it appeai-s that, in case Mr. Jones should be so unfortunate as to be 
killed in battle, it would be improper to leave the command of the king's 
ship to M. Amiel, who does not seem to deserve so much confidence, by 
his conduct when commanding the ship the Ranger. 

" M. de Chaumont, in addition to the preceding obsei-vations, suggests 
that Mr. Jones's crew, being for the most part composed of Englishmen, 
which M. Amiel had recruited in the prisons, cannot be kept in subjection 
but by the corps of French volunteers which is on board the Bon homme 



94 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Richard, and tliat it would be desirable these volunteei-s should be com- 
manded by officers of their own nation, well skilled in the art of war, and 
pro\ided with sufficient recommendations to justify the choice which will 
be made of them. 

" M. de Chaumont has the honor," &c. 



"■ L" Orient, June I4th, 1779. 

*' Mr, Jones, Commander of the Ship ) 
Bon honmie Richard. j 

"Sir, 
" The situation of the officei-s who have accepted commissions from 
Congress to join the armament of the ship Bon homme Richard, which 
you command, may be in contradiction with the interests of their own 
shii)s ; this induces me to request you to enter into an engagement with 
me, that you shall not require from the said vessels any services but such 
as will be conformable with the orders which those officers shall have, and 
that in no case you shall require any changes to be made in the formation 
of their crews, which, as well the vessels themselves as their armaments, 
shall be entirely at the disposition of the commandants of the said vessels, 
who shall be answerable to those who have armed them. I also beg you 
to agree, that all the prizes which shall be made, be addressed to such 
consignees as I shall point out, for the preservation of the interests of all 
the concerned. 

" I have the honor, &c. 

" Le Ray de Chaumont." 

''Passy, June 30, 1779. 

" Mr. Jones, Commander of the Ship 
Bon homme Richard. 

" Sir, 
" I have the honor of wishing you much success in your new cruize. 
Should you make any prizes, and take them to Bergen in Norway, I beg 
you to send them to the French Consul, if there be one ; if there be none, 
then to the principal French Ag^ent io account to me for the same. And 
such as you send to Ostend or Dunkirk, you will consign to M. Cailliez, 
senior, merchant at Dunkirk, who will accovmt for them to me ; and you 
may rest assured, that the interests of all those who may have a share in 
such prizes will be attended to in a proper manner. 

" I have the honor, &c. 

" Le Ray de Chaumont." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 95 

^^Passy, June 30, IT 79. 
"Honorable Captain Jones. 
"Dear Sir, 

" Being arrived at Groaix, you are to make the best of your way with 
the vessels under your command to the west of Ireland, and establish your 
cruize on the Orcades, the Cape of Demeus, and the Dogger Bank, in 
order to take the enemy's property in those seas. 

" The prizes you may make, send to Dunkirk, Ostend, or Bergen in 
Norway, according to your proximity to either of those ports. Address 
them to the pei-sons M. de Chaumont shall indicate to you. 

" About the loth of August, when you will have sufficiently cruized in 
these seas, you are to make route for the Texel, where you will meet my 
further orders. 

" If by any personal accident you should be rendered unaljle to execute 
these instructions, the officer of your squadron next in rank is to 
endeavor to put them into execution. 

" With best wishes for your prosperity, I am ever, 
" Dear Sir, 

" Your affectionate friend and humble servant, 

B. Franklin. 

"On hoard the Bon homme Richard., at ar>chor, ) 
Isle of Groaix, off I! Orient, July 1, 1779. j 

"His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 
" Honored and Dear Sir, 

"On the 19th ult., the American squadron under my command, 
consisting of the Bon homme Richard 42 guns. Alliance 36 guns, Pallas 
30 guns, Cerf 18 guns, and the Vengeance 12 guns, sailed from hence 
with a convoy of merchant ships and transports with troops, &c. bound to 
the different ports and garrisons between this place and Bouixleaux. 

" On the evening of the following day, I had the satisfaction to see the 
latter part of the convoy safe within the entrance of the river of 
Bourdeaux, the rest having been safely escorted into the entrance of 
Nantz, Rochefort, &c. But at the preceding midnight, whilo lying-to off 
Isle of Vew, the Bon homme Richard and Alliance got foul of one 
another, and carried away the head and cut-water, spi-it-sail yard and jib- 
boom of the former, with the mizen-mast of the latter ; fortunately, 
however, neither received damage in the hull. In the evening of the 21st, 
I sent the Cerf to reconnoitre two sail, and Capt. Varage was so ardent in 
the pm-suit, that he had lost sight of the squadron next morning ; and I 



96 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

am now told, that he had a warm engagement with one of them, a sloop 
of 14 guns which he took, but was obliged to abandon on the approach 
of another enemy of superior force. The action lasted an hour and a 
half; several men were killed and wounded on board the Cerf. That 
cutter is now fitting at L'Orient. 

" On the 23d we had a rencontre with three ships-of-war. They were 
to windward, and bore down in a hne abreast for some time, but seeing 
we were prepared to receive them they hauled their wind, and by 
carrying a press of sail got clear in spite of oui' utmost endeavors to bring 
them to action. On the 26th we lost company of the Alhance and Pallas. 
I am unable to say where the blame lays. I gave the ships a rendezvous 
off Penmark-rocks, but did not meet them there. 

" I anchored here yesterday at noon, having had a rencontre the 
night before with two of the enemy's ships-of-war in the offing, in the 
sight of this island and of Belle Isle. Previous to this, I had given the 
Vengeance leave to make the best of her way to this road, so that the 
enemy found me alone in a place where I had no expectation of a hostile 
visit. They apj^eared at first earnest to engage, but their courage failed, 
and they fled with precipitation, and to my mortification outsailed the 
Bon homme Hichard, arid got clear. I had, however, a flattering 
proof of the martial spirit of my crew, and I am confident that, had I 
been able to get between the two, which was my intention, we should 
have beaten them both together. 

" In the course of this short cruize I have endeavored to meet the views 
of the king. I have traversed the Golf de Gascogne over and over ; I 
have fallen in with and chased various vessels. 

" I am ready to enter with cheerfulness upon any jilan or service that 
is consonant with the common interest, and meets with your approbation ; 
and if I fail, it shall not be for want of attempting to succeed where an 
opportunity appears. 

" I am, with sentiments of grateful esteem and aftection, 

" Dear Sir, youre, &c. 

" P. S. — Please give the above information to M. de Sartine and M. de 
Chaumont." 

"Passy, July 8, 17*79. 
" Honorable J. P. Jones. 
"Dear Sir, 
" I received your favors of the 2d and 4th inst. I am sorry for the 
accidents that have obliged your little squadron to return and refit ; but 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 97 

hope all may be for tlie best. Some days since, M. Chaumont handed to 
me the substance of a letter in French, which contained heads of the 
instructions that M. de Sartine wished me to give you. I had them 
translated and put into the form of a letter to you, which I signed and 
gave back to M. C. who, I suppose, has sent it to you. I have no other 
ordere to give ; for, as the Court is at the chief expense, I think they 
have the best right to direct. I observe what you write about a change 
of the destination ; but when a thing has been once considered and 
determined on in council they do not care to resume the consideration of 
it, having much business on hand, and there is not now time to obtain a 
reconsideration. 

" It has been hinted to me that the intention of ordering your cruize to 
finish at the Texel, is with a view of getting out that ship ; but this 
should be kept a secret. I can say nothing about Capt. Landais' prize. 
I suppose the minister has an account of it, but I have heard nothing 
from him about it. If he reclaims it on account of his passport, we must 
then consider what is to be done. I approve of the careenage proposed 
for the Alliance as a thing necessary. As she is said to be a remarkable 
swift sailer, I should hope you might by her means take some privateers 
and a number of prisonei"s, so as to continue the cartel, and redeem all 
our poor countrymen. 

" My best wishes attend you, being ever, with great esteem, 
•' Dear Sir, 

" Your affectionate friend, and most obedient servant, 

" B. Fkan.klfn".. 

" P. S. — If it should fall in yom- way, remember that the Hudson's Bay 
ships are very valuable. 

" B. F." 

Extract to Dr. Franklin. 



'T Orient, July 12, 1779. 
" I have inspected the Bon homme Richard, and it is the constructor's 
opinion that the ship is too old to admit of the necessary alterations. 
Thus circumstanced I wish to have an opportunity of attempting an 
essential service to render myself worthy a better and faster sailing 
ship." 



yo LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

''L' Orient, July 26, 17 79. 
" His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 
" Dear Sir, 

" I have received advice that the Jamaica fleet will sail homewards, 
escorted by a fifty gun ship and two strong frigates. Should we fall in 
with that force we will certainly engage and, I hope, overcome it. We 
shall probably be so much cut up as to be unable to prevent the escape of 
the convoy. If the ship Monsieur could be added to my force, it would give 
us a superiority, and perhaps enable us to take and destroy the Jamaica fleet. 
I submit this idea, however, to your superior wisdom. 

" I have the honor, <kc." 

''Passy, July 28, 1779. 
" Hon. Capt. Jones. 

"Dear Sir, 
" I have just received youre of the 25th. I was yesterday with M. de 
Sartine at Versailles, who appeared uneasy at some accounts he had 
received of a mutinous disposition in your crew. He desired me to 
acquaint M. de Chaumont that he wished to see him that evening. This 
morning M. de Chaumont sent me a note of which I enclose a copy ; I 
understand he goes down with a view to provide you a better set of hands. 
You must have heard that 119 American prisoners are arrived in a cartel 
at Nantes ; perhaps out of them you may pick some very good seamen. 
But if this affair should be likely to take time, the Alliance will have my 
ordei's to make a cruize alone, agreeable to the minister's desire. But I 
hope the reports of your crew are not founded, and that your joint cruize 
will still take phice, and be successful. 

" I have the honor to be, with sincere esteem, 
'• Dear Sir, 

" Yom- most obedient and most humble servant, 

" Benjamin Franklin." 

" The Honorable John P. Jones, commander-in-chief of the American 
ships-of-war, now in Europe. 

" To , 



" You are hereby directed and required forthwith, to hold yourself in 
readiness to proceed in company with me to sea. You are to show 
careful attention to every signal that shall be made on board here for your 
government, as well as to all future orders that you may from time to 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 99 

time receive from me. To prevent separation or surprise, you are to 
endeavor always to keep in your station : and you are never to chase so 
as to lose company with the squadron. I place great dependance on yom* 
zeal for the honor of the American flag, and the interests of our common 
cauSe, as well as your abilities aiad inclination to support me in my duty ; 
which, I hope, you will very soon have occasion to manifest, so as to 
afford me the supreme pleasure of rendering justice to your merit in the 
account wliich I shall faithfully transmit both to our great ally, his Most 
Christian Majesty, and to the Senate of America. Should you unfor- 
tunately be separated from the Bon homme Richard, you are to open the 
letter of rendezvous No. 1, and to proceed to that place as soon as 
possible, but if the squadron has previously passed that place, you are to 
open the letter No. 2 ; and should you be taken, or in great danger of 
being taken, you are to burn, or otherwise eftectually destroy the lettere 
of rendezvous. For all which, this shall be your order. 

" Given on board the American ship-of-war, the Bon homme 
Richard, at anchor in the road of Groaix, August 10, 1779." 

"Oh. board the Bon homme Richard, at anchor 
in the road of Groaix, August 11, 1779. 
" His Excellency M. De Sartine. 
" My Lord, 

" The moment I returaed from the late cruize to this road, I wrote the 
history of my proceedings to his Excellency Dr. Franklin, and requested 
him to communicate the whole to you. I have also rendered him an 
exact account of everything that has affected this ship, and every other 
vessel under my command while at L'Orient : all which, I conclude, has 
been submitted to your inspection. I am now, however, sorry that I did 
not address letters to your Excellency on the same subject, especially as 
Dr. Franklin has lately acquainted me that you were uneasy at some 
accounts of a mutinous disposition in my crew. I did not at the 
beginning ad\nse it as a prudent measure to take on board so great a 
proportion of English seamen. But M. de Chaumont can inform you that 
he thought it expedient, and that it would be attended with no risque 
after the embarkation of the troops under the orders of the Marquis de la 
Fayette. When that expedition was laid aside, and I was forbidden to 
enlist French seamen, I had no means to replace the English, and they 
remained on board from necessity, not fi-om choice. When they saw that 
I had observed their mutinous disposition, and taken measures to prevent 
its bad consequences, I must do them the justice to say that they 
manifested a true martial spirit when, being alone in this ship off Belle 



100 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Isle in the evening of the 29th of June, I met vnth. and chased two large 
frigates that were in company, and dm-st not wait for our approach, 
but fled notwithstanding their great suj^eriority both in force and sailing. 

"I have the satisfaction to assure your Excellency that this second 
journey of M. de Chaumont was altogether unnecessary ; as I had, 
before his arrival at L'Orient, sent officers to Nantes to enlist Americans, 
and had also enlisted as many of the strangei-s as were willing to embark 
at L'Orient. My crew now in this ship consists of 380 officere, men, and 
boys, inclusive of 137 marine soldiers. 

" I expect to sail this evening or to-morrow morning, and, I hope, the 
Monsieur will go in company. I have also reason to expect the General 
Mifflin, having sent the Vengeance to Belle Isle with a letter to the 
captain of the privateer to in\ite him to join this little squadron. When 
I depart I hope to be able to do my duty, thereby to testify to his Majesty 
and to your Excellency the high sense which I shall ever entertain of the 
honorable attentions which have been shown towards me in France, and 
to prevent future misrepresentations, I will myself transmit to your 
Excellency, from time to time, an account of my proceedings and 
situation. 

" I am with the highest sentiments of esteem and respect, 
" My Lord, 

" your Excellency's very obliged, 
" very obedient, 

" and most humble servant. 

" N. B. — I have seen with surprise various letters in the hands of persons 
here, on the subject of my destination ! " 

''''Shijj Bon homme Richard, at anchor in the ) 
Road of Groaix, August 13, 1779. j 

"The Hon. Major General, the Marquis de 
Lafayette, at Havre de Grace. 
" Although, my dear Marquis, I have not lately wiitten to you, yet 
there is no man for whom I entertain a greater share of esteem and 
respect. By what I have felt myself since om- expedition was laid aside, 
I can easily imagine how much concern it has given you ; and I assure 
you that I have met with few disappointments that have equally affected 
my sensibility and my health. As the object of our expedition was 
imprudently communicated to almost every person who should have 
been concerned in it, as well as to others who would not have been actors, 
I had determined, for some time before I had the honor to receive 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONEB. 101 

your last letter, to propose to you another project when we met at 
L'Orient, which I am persuaded you would have adopted, and com- 
municated to no person until we had been ready the next hour to put it 
into execution. 

" I am highly honored by your expressing hopes that such an expedition 
between us will yet take place in the course of this war. I ardently join 
you in that wish, and assure you that few prospects could afford me equal 
pleasure, or more entirely gratify my ambition. I will write to you, my 
dear Marquis, and communicate my thoughts when the subject is of 
consequence, agreeable to the within dictionary. I expect to' sail this 
evening, and you will perhaps hear of me soon. I was happy in the 
acquaintance of your two Aids-de-Camp ; and I thank you, with reason, 
that I now have the company and assistance of Messrs. Weibert and 
Chamillard. 

" I am happy in being ranked among the number of your friends, and 
shall ever endeavor to merit your regard, being always, my dear Marquis, 
" Your most obliged, 

" and very obedient, 
"humble servant. 

'■'■Washington City, February 1825. 

" True copy to the best of my remembrance. 

" Lafayette." 

'^Ship Bon homme Richard, at anchor in \ 
the Road of Groaix, August 13, 1779. j 

" His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 

"Honored and Dear Sir, 

" It is but this moment that the Court Martial has finished the affair of 
the Bon homme Eichard and the Alliance on account of their having nm 
foul of each other. I enclose you the result of the proceedings of that 
court, which being the only one of consequence, it is uimecessary to trouble 
you with bundles of papers where the conclusions have only amounted to 
whipping, which has been executed. 

" The within paper respecting the prize-money of this little squadron is 
submitted to your regulations, and from the enclosed paper, addressed to 
me by the captain and officers of the Vengeance, I am pei"suaded that you 
will think it unreasonable that he (the captain), should share equally with 
Captain Landais, or the captain of the Pallas, — and not rather that each 
ship and vessel should first share in proportion to the number and calibre 
of her guns, and the number of her men ; — and that they should afterward 



102 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

divide their respective shares by the laws of their flag, or otherwise to 
their mutual satisfaction. The within state of the force of each ship and 
vessel, will be useful in forming your decisions. 

" M. de Chaumont has made an useless journey here, as I had taken all 
the necessary measures to engage the men that were wanting before his 
appearance, even at Nantes. I am, however, much obliged to him and to 
the minister for that attention, as well as for all former favors. I shall 
certainly sail to-morrow at daybreak, and I hope shortly to find opportu- 
nities to testify my gratitude to our great and good ally, for the honor 
which he has conferred on the American flag, and on myself. The 
enclosed dictionary will be useful, when I write to you on particular 
subjects. This little squadi"on appears to be unanimous, and, if that good 
understanding continues, we are able to perform essential service. I look 
forward with pleasing expectation, and an ardent desire to merit your 
friendship, and that of America, being ever, with the highest esteem and 
respect, 

" Dear Sir, 

" The most obliged of 

" Your obedient servants." 

" Ship Bon homme Richard, at sea off ) 
Ushant, August 18th, Hid. ) 

"M. Le Ray de Chaumont. 

" I have, my friend, the honor to forward this letter by our prize ship 
die Verwagting, bound from Barcelona to Dunkirk with a cargo of wine 
and brandy, and several cases of silks, (fee. 

" This prize was taken eight days ago, by the privateer brig Eagle, 
belonging to Poole, in England, and is therefore a lawfid prize to the flag 
of the United States. 

" We have met several other vessels, neutral property, but have 
learned no news except by one, a Portuguese snow, yesterday, that the 
English fleet had put back to Portsmouth, and that the snow passed 
through the French and Spanish fleet in number 114 ships, steering 
N.N.E., fifteen leagues south from Lizard. You will please to communi- 
cate this, with my respects to the minister, and to Dr. Franklin. 
" I have the honor to be, 

" with great esteem and respect, your obliged 

" fi-iend and humble servant. 

" P.S. I enclose you a paper which the commander of the Monsieur has 
given, contraiy to my orders, and without my knowledge or consent, to 
the pei"son whom he appointed master of this prize, which was taken 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 10$ 

under my orders and in my siglit, — yet he takes no notice of this in that 
paper, and probably was his intention to keep the whole as his own 
property. He has now left the squadron, after plundering this prize and 
detaining me 24 hours by his lagging behind the squadron. This is the 
result of being concerned with privateere, where good faith and honor are 
generally strangers." 

" I certify that the original of the preceding letter was duly received 
by my father, from Com. John Paul Jones. 

" Le Rat de Chaumont. 
"iVew York^ December^ 1824." 

" B(m homme Richard, at Sea, off the S. W. ) 
of Ireland, August 24<A, 1779. [ 

" M. Le Ray de Chaumont. 

" The enclosed copies of papers will show you, my Mend, that on the 
1 8th I sent in a prize ship for L'Orient, laden with brandy, &c. ; and that 
on the 21st I sent also for L'Orient a pnze brig, laden with Irish beef and 
butter. I send this by the prize brig Foituue, bound for England from 
Newfoundland, and laden chiefly with oil, blubber, and staves. I have 
ordered this prize for Nantz, or if circumstances will admit, for St. Malo, 
as the best market. I have sent on board the prize a man who is 
perfectly acquainted with the coast between Brest and St. Malo, and will, 
in consequence, I hope, elude the Jersey privateers. By the captain of 
the Mayflower I am told that there is now an encampment of 30,000 
troops in L-eland, at a place called Clonmell, about midway between 
Waterford and Limerick ; I do not, however, credit this report. 

" I beseech you to present my respects to M. de Sartine, and his excel- 
lency, M. Franklin, and apologize for my not writing them. It is now 
calm : when the breeze returns I shall embrace it to proceed directly to 
my destination. 

" I am, with sentiments of esteem and respect, 

" Your very obhged fiiend and servant." 

" I certify that the original of the preceding was duly received by my 
father, fi-om Commodore J. Paul Jones. 

" Le Ray de Chaumo nt. 
'''■New York, December, ly24." 

" On hoard the Ship of War the Serapis, at anchor ) 
without the Texel, October Zd, 1779. ) 

" M. Le Ray de Chaumont, a Passy. 

" The original of the enclosed copy of my last letter, wi-itten on board 



104 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the Bon homme Richard, off the S.W. coast of Ireland, the 24th of 
August, as well as the papers which preceded it, and to which it alludes, 
I hope duly reached the hands of my friend M. de Chaumont, and 
explained to his satisfaction my conduct from the time I left Groaix until 
that date. For the full history of my expedition I must beg leave to refer 
you to a letter of this date, which accompanies this, to his excellency, Dr. 
Franklin, who will, if you demand it, furnish you with a copy. 

" I wish to act a candid part towards all men, and therefore wish you 
to have a copy of that letter, that you may see my sentiments respecting 
the ' Concordat,' which you imposed upon me in the moment of my 
departure from Groaix. What could have inspired you with such senti- 
ments of distrust towards me, after the ocular proofs of hospitality which 
I so long experienced in your house, and after the warm expressions of 
generous and unbounded friendship which I had constantly been honored 
with in your letters, exceeds my mental faculties to comprehend. I am, 
however, yet wilhng to give you an opportunity of rendering justice to my 
character. I cannot think you are personally my enemy. I rather 
imagine that your conduct towards me at L'Orient has arisen from the 
base misrepresentation of some secret villany ; therefore, I am, with 
imaltered sentiments of good will and affection for yourself and family, 
" My dear friend, 

" Yoiu- obliged, humble servant." 

" I certify that the original of the preceding letter was duly received by 
my father. 



" Le Ray de Chaumont. 



'■'■New York, December, 1824. 



Commodore Jones was now approaching the scene of liis 
greatest glory, which, in other respects than the affair of the 
Seraj)is, would have been much more complete, had the 
captains of his squadron, and particularly Landais, of the frigate 
Alliance, cordially co-operated with him. In perusing the 
narrative of this cruize, which is from the pen of Jones himself, 
the reader will observe that he had designed to lay the town of 
Leith under contribution, which intended enterprise would in 
all probability have succeeded, had the winds not been 
adverse; and even with that hindrance, under the energetic 
direction of Commodore Jones, it might perhaps have been 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 105 

effected. He had prepared everything for the pm-pose, and 
assigned to each vessel of his squadron its appropriate duty. 
The landing was to have been made by Lieut. Col. Chamillard, 
with one hundred and thirty men, fimiished with a white and 
a red flag, the display of the former of which was to be the 
signal that the inhabitants submitted to the terms proposed by 
the commodore ; and of the latter, that they had refused. The 
display of both flags together was to indicate that the party 
mider Chamillard was compelled to retreat ; in which case their 
re-embarkation was to have been covered by the ships of war. 
A contribution of 100,000^. sterling was to have been levied 
upon Leith, the papnent of 50,000Z. of which was to have been 
insisted on instantly, and hostages from among the principal 
inhabitants taken for the speedy payment of the remaining 
moiety. The undertaking failed from the causes described by 
Jones ; but the summons written for the occasion will serve to 
show the humanity with which he proceeded, and it is therefore 
presented for perusal, together with the terms of capitulation, 
both documents, in blank, having been found among tlie paj)ers 
of Jones, now in possession of the author of this volume. It 
will be remarked that Commodore Jones, in this, as in every 
other instance, ascribed the severity of his operations to the 
outrages committed by the British troops in America ; thus 
giving to his actions a national, and not a vindictively personal 
complexion. It will be seen in the sequel, that Dr. Franldin 
himself justified these retaliatory measures, and almost regretted 
the mildness of the instructions which he had previously 
addressed to the commodore for the government of his conduct 
towards the enemy, so deeply was that venerable man affected 
by the atrocities of the English soldiers. In no particular did 
Jones transcend these instractions, but seems, in every situation, 
to have endeavored to assuage the miseries of war by the kindest 
possible treatment to his prisoners. 



106 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

The Honorable Captain Jones, Commander-in-Chief of the Amencan 
squadron now in Em-ope, on board the American ship of war the 
Bon homme Richard, at anchor in the Road of Leith, September the 
, 1779. 

" To the Worshipful the Provost of Leith, or, in his absence, to the Chief 

Magistrate who is now actually present and in authority there. 
" Sir, 

" The British marine force that has been stationed here for the protec- 
tion of your city and commerce, being now taken by the American arms 
under ray command, I have the honor to send you this by my officer, 
Lieutenant Colonel de Chamillard, who commands the vanguard of my 
trooj^s. I do not wish to distress the poor inhabitants ; my intention is 
only to demand your contribution towards the reimbursement which 
Britain owes to the much injured citizens of America. Savages would 
blush at the unmanly violation and rapacity that has marked the tracks 
of British tyi'anny in America, from which neither virgin innocence nor 
helpless age has been a plea of protection or pity. 

" Leith and its port now lays at our mercy ; and did not the jAea of 
humanity stay the hand of just retaliation, I should, toithout advertisement, 
lay it in ashes. Before I proceed to that stern duty as an officer, my duty 
as a man induces me to propose to you, by the means of a reasonable 
ransom, to prevent such a scene of horror and distress. For this reason I 
have authorized Lieut. Col. de Chamillard to conclude and agree with 
you on the terms of ransom, allowing you exactly half an hour's reflection 
before you finally accept or reject the terms which he shall propose. 

" If you accept the terms offered within the time limited, you may rest 
assured that no farther debarkation of troops will be made, but that the 
re-embarkation of the vanguard will immediately follow, and that the 
property of the citizens shall remain unmolested. 

" I have the honor to be," &c. 

" CAPITULATION. 

" We the subscribers, the Provost, Recorder, and principal Magistrates of 
the city or corporation of Leith, in Scotland, promise and swear in 
honor and good faith, agreeable to the laws of war, according to which 
we submit to the Honorable Captain Jones, Commander-in-Chief of 
an American squadron now in Europe, to perform faithfully the 
articles of the j^resent capitulation. 

" Art. \st. There shall not be any act of hostility committed against 
any ship or vessel, or against any person whatsoever that is belonging to 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. lOY 

the American squadi'on under the command of Capt. Jones, either by the 
inhabitants of Leith, by regular or irregular troops, or by any person or 
pei-sons whatsoever, during the term which he may be compelled by 
contrary winds, or other insuperable causes, to remain with his sqixadron 
within the Firth of Forth. 

" Art. 2d. In case of any contravention or breach of this capitulation on 
our part, it is agreed that the commander-in-chief of the American 
squadi'on aforesaid, shall use vigorous measures towards the subjects of his 
Britannic ilajesty who are in his hands, either as prisonei-s, or hostages ; 
and the magistrates and principal inhabitants of Leith agree to submit 
themselves exactly to this article. 

" Art. 3d. As soon as the terms of ransom are fulfilled on the part of 
the Magistrates of Leith, Captain Jones shall embrace the fii'st fair wind 
and depart, with his squadron, from Leith, without molesting the 
inhabitants. 

" Done at Leith this day of September, 111 9."' 



ITotliiiig can be more characteristic of tlie deteraiined resolu- 
tion of Commodore Jones to obtain the object on which he was 
once bent, than his perseverance in remaining on his cniizing 
groimd off the enemy's coast, in defiance of the singular beha- 
vior of Captain Landais, and the lukewarmness of the other 
commanding officers in the squadron. The fortunate issue of 
every enterprise of the sort dej^ends mainly upon the spirit and 
harmony that prevail among those who have been appointed to 
act in concert, and, at the same time, in subordination. The 
deportment of Captain Landais throughout the engagement 
with the Serapis was well calculated to give the victory to the 
British flag ; and there is good ground for believing that it was, 
from en\'y or jealousy, in the contemplation of Landais to tear 
the laurels from the brow of Jones, or to subject him to disgrace 
by allowing the Bon homme Richard and Serapis, in their close 
encounter, so to disable each other, that keeping the Alliance 
uninjured, in the event of the Bon homme Richard's striking 
her colors to her antagonist. Captain Landais might have made 
prizes of both ships, and, returning victorious to France, have 



108 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

figui-ed as the principal hero of the bloody combat. Certain it 
is, that he manoeuvred so as to cripple the Boh homme Richard, 
and actually shed the blood of some of the valiant crew. The 
fact does not admit of dispute. It is established by the testi- 
mony of those who witnessed his manoeuvres, and who, it will 
be found in the subsequent pages, specifically verify all the 
allegations made by Commodore Jones against Landais. Such 
a mass of evidence is irresistible, and leaves nothing to reflecting 
minds but regret that the bad passions of the human heart, 
unrestrained by reason, should, at a critical moment, have had 
such influence over a naval ofiicer, honored with a commission 
from the American Congress, as to have rendered the triumph 
of the flag of the United States dubious for several hours. Had 
Captain Landais employed himself in captm-ing and destroying 
the ships of the Baltic fleet, whilst Jones was engaged with the 
Serapis, it can scarcely be considered as doubtful that very few 
of them would have escaped. 

" On hoard the Ship Serapis, at anchor without ) 
the Texel in Holland, October 3, 1Y79. J 

" His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 
" Honored and Dear Sir, 

"^When I had the honor of writing to you on the 11th of August, 
previous to my departure from the Road of Groaix, I had before me the 
most flattering prospect of rendering essential service to the common 
cause of France and America. I had a full confidence in the voluntary 
inclination and ability of every captain under my command to assist and 
support me in my duty with cheerful emulation ; and I was pereuaded 
that every one of them would pursue glory in preference to interest. 

" Whether I was or was not deceived will best appear by a relation of 
circumstances, 

" The little squadron under my orders, consisting of the Bon homme 
Richard of 40 guns, the Alliance of 36 guns, the Pallas of 32 guns, the 
Cerf of 18 guns, and the Vengeance of 12 guns, joined by two privateers, 
the Monsieur and the Granville, sailed from the Road of Groaix at 
daybreak on the 1 4th of August ; the same day we spoke with a large 
convoy bound from the southward to Brest. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 109 

" On the 18tli we retook a large ship belonging to Holland, laden chiefly 
with brandy and wine that had been destined from Barcelona for Dunkirk, 
and taken eight days before by an English privateer. The captain of the 
Monsieur, however, took out of this prize such articles as he ple;used in 
the night, and the next day being astern ol" the squadi-on and to windward, 
he actually wrote orders in his proper name, and sent away the prize 
under one of his own officers. This, however, I superseded by sending 
her for L'Orient under my orders in the character of commander-in-chief. 
The evening of the day following the Monsieur separated from the 
squadron. 

" On the 20th we saw and chased a large ship, but could not overtake 
her, she being to windward. 

" On the 21st we saw and chased another ship that was also to wind- 
ward, and thereby eluded our pursuit. The same afternoon we took a 
brigantine called the Mayflower, laden with butter and salt provisions, 
bound from Limerick in L-eland for London ; this vessel I immediately 
expedited for L'Orient. 

" On the 23d we saw Cape Clear and the S.W. part of Ireland. That 
afternoon, it being calm, I sent some armed boats to take a brigantine 
that appeared in the N.W. quarter. Soon after in the evening it became 
necessary to have a boat ahead of the ship to tow, as the helm could not 
prevent her from laying across the tide of flood, which would have driven 
us into a deep and dangerous bay, situated between the rocks on the south 
called the Skallocks, and on the north called the Blaskets. The ship's 
boats being absent, I sent my own barge ahead to tow the ship. The 
boats took the brigantine, she was called the Fortune, and bound ^vith a 
cargo of oil, blubber, and staves, from Newfoundland for Bristol ;. this 
vessel I ordered to proceed immediately for Nantes or St. Malo. Soon 
after sunset the villains who towed the ship, cut the tow rope and 
decamped with my barge. Sundry shots were fired to bring them to without 
effect ; in the mean time the master of the Bon homme Richard, without 
ordere, manned one of the ship's boats, and with four soldiers pursued the. 
barge in order to stop the deserters. The evening was clear and serene, 
but the zeal of that officer, Mr. Cutting Lent, induced him to pm-sue too 
far, and a fog which came on soon afterwards prevented the boats from 
rejoining the ship, although I caused signal guns to be frequently fired. The 
fog and calm continued the next day till towards evening. In the after- 
noon Capt. Landais came on board the Bon homrne Richard and behaved 
towards me with great disrespect, affirming in the most indelicate manner 
and language, that I had lost my boats and people through my imprudence 
in sending boats to take a prize ! He persisted in his reproaches, though 
he was assured by Messrs. De Weibert and De Chamillard that the bai-ge 



110 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

was towing the ship at the time of elopement, and that she had not been 
sent in pursuit of the prize. He was affronted, because I would not the 
day before sufler him to chase without my orders, and to approach the 
dangerous shore I have already mentioned, where he was an entire 
stranger, and when there was not sufficient wind to govern a ship. He 
told me he was the only American in the squadron, and was determined 
to follow his own opinion in chasing when and where he thought proper, 
and in every other matter that concerned the service, and that, if I 
continued in that situation three days longer, the squadron would be 
taken, &c. By the advice of Capt. De Cottineau, and with the free 
consent and approbation of M. De Varage, I sent the Cerf in to 
reconnoitre the coast, and endeavor to take the boats and people the next 
day, while the squadron stood oft" and on in the S.W. quarter, in the best 
jDossible situation to intercept the enemy's merchant ships, whether 
outward or homeward bound. The Cerf had on board a pilot well 
acquainted with the coast, and was ordered to join me again before night. 
I approached the shore in the afternoon, but the Cerf did not appear ; 
this induced me to stand off again in the night in order to return and be 
rejoined l)y the Cerf the next day ; but to my great concern and disap- 
pointment, though I ranged the coast along, and hoisted our private 
signals, neither the boats nor the Cerf joined me. The evening of that 
day, the 26th, brought with it stormy weather, with an appearance of a 
severe gale from the S.W., yet I must declare I did not follow my own 
judgment, but was led by the assertion which had fallen from Captain 
Landais, when I in the evening made a signal to steer to the northward 
and leave that station, whicli I wished to have occupied at least a week 
longer. The gale increased in the night with thick weather ; to prevent 
separation, I carried a top light and fired a gun every quarter of an hour. 
I carried also a very moderate sail, and the course had been clearly 
pointed out by a signal before night ; yet, with all this precaution, I found 
myself accompanied only by the brigantine Vengeance in the morning, 
the Granville having remained astern with a prize ; as I have since 
understood the tiller of the I'allas broke after midnight, which disabled 
her from keeping up, but no apology has yet been made in behalf of the 
Alliance. 

" On the 3 1st, we saw the Flamie Islands situated near the Lewis on the 
N.W. coast of Scotland ; and the next morning, off Cape Wrath, we gave 
chase to a ship to windward, at the same time two ships appearing in the 
N.W. quarter, which proved to be the Alliance and a prize ship which 
she had taken,- bound, as I understood, from Liverpool to Jamaica. The 
ship which I chased brought to at noon ; she proved to be the Union letter 
of Marque, bound fi'om London for Quebec, with a cargo of naval stores 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. Ill 

on account of government, adapted for the service of British armed 
vessels on the lakes. The public dispatches were lost, as the Alliance very 
imprudently hoisted American colors, though English colors were then 
flying on board the Bon homme Richard. Capt. Laiidais sent a small 
boat to ask whether I would man the ship, or he should, as in the latter 
case he would suffer no boat nor pereon from the Bon homme Richard to 
go near the prize. Ridiculous as this appeared to me, I yielded to it for 
the sake of peace, and received the prisoners on board the Bon homme 
Richard, while the prize was manned from the Alliance. In the afternoon 
another sail appeared, and I immediately made ^he signal for the 
Alliance to chase ; but, instead of obeying, he wore and laid the ship's 
head the other way. The next morning I made a signal to speak 
with the Alliance, to which no attention was shown ; I then made 
sail with the ships in comjiany for the second rendezvous which was 
not fer distant, and where I fully expected to be joined by tlie Pallas and 
the Cerf. 

" The second of September we saw a sail at daybreak, and gave chase ; 
that ship proved to be the Pallas, and had met with no success while 
separated from the Bon homme Richard. 

" On the 3d the Vengeance brought to a small Irish brigantine, bound 
homeward from Norway. The same evening I sent the Vengeance in the 
N.E. quarter to bring up the two prize ships that appeared to me to be 
too near the islands of Shetland. While with the Alliance and Pallas, I 
endeavored to weather Fair Isle, and to get into my second rendezvous, 
where I directed the Vengeance to join me with the three j)rizes. The 
next morning, having weathered Fair Isle, and not seeing the Vengeance 
nor the prizes, I spoke the Alliance and ordered her to steer to the north- 
ward and bring them up to the rendezvous. 

" On the morning of the 4th the Alliance appeared ag;iin, and had 
brought to two very small coasting sloops in ballast, but without having 
attended properly to my orders of yesterday. The Vonegance joined me 
soon after, and informed me that in consequence of Cajitain Landais' 
orders to the commanders of the two prize ships, they IukI refused to 
follow him to the rendezvous. I am to this moment ignorant of what 
orders these men received from Captain Landais, nor know I by virtue of 
what authority he ventured to give his orders to prizes in my presence, 
and without either my knowledge or approbation. Captain Ricot further 
informed me that he had burnt the prize brigantine, because that vessel 
proved leaky ; and I was sorry to understand afterward tliat though the 
vessel was Irish property, the cargo was property of the subjects of 
Norway. 

" In the evening I sent for all the captains to come on board the Bon 



112 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

homme Richard, to consult on future plans of operation. Captains Cot- 
tineau and Ricot obeyed me, but Captain Landais obstinately refused, and 
after sending me various uncivil messages, wrote me a very extraordinaiy 
letter in answer to a written order which I had sept, him, on finding that 
he had trifled with my verbal orders. The next da:y a pilot boat came on 
board from Shetland, by which means I received such advices as induced 
me to change a plan which I otherwise meant to have pursued ; and as 
the Cerf did not appear at my second rendezvous, I determined to steer 
towards tlie third in hopes of meeting her there. 

" In the afternoon'^ gale of wind came on, which continued four days 
without intermission. In the second night of that gale the Alliance, with 
her two little prizes, again separated from the Bon homme Richard. I 
had now with me only the Pallas and the Vengeance, yet I did not 
abandon the hopes of performing some essential service. The winds 
continued contrary, so that we did not see the land till the evening of the 
13tli, when the hills of the Cheviot in the S.E. of Scotland appeared. 
The next day we chased sundry vessels, and took a ship and a brigantine, 
both from the Firth of Edinburgh, laden with coal. Knomng that there 
lay at anchor in Leith road an armed ship of 20 guns, with two or three 
fine cutters, I formed an expedition against Leith, Avhich I purposed to 
lay under a large contribution, or otherwise to reduce it to ashes. Had I 
been alone, the vnnd being favorable, I would have proceeded directly up 
the Firth, and mu?rt have succeeded, as they lay there in a state of perfect 
indolence and security, which would have proved their ruin. Unfortu- 
nately for me, the Pallas and Vengeance were both at a considerable 
distance in the offing, they having chased to the southward ; this obliged 
us to steer out of the Firth again to meet them. The captains of the 
Pallas and Vengeance being come on board the Bon homme Richard, I 
communicated to them my project, to which many difficulties and objec- 
tions were made by them ; at last, however, they appeared to think better 
of the design after I had assured them that I hoped to raise a contribution 
of 200,000 pounds sterhng on Leith, and that there was no battery of 
cannon there to oppose our landing. So much time, however, was 
unavoidably spent in pointed remarks and sage deliberation that night, 
that the wind became contrary in the morning. 

" We continued working to windward up the Firth without being able to 
reach the road of Leith, till, on the morning of the lYth, when, being 
almost within cannon shot of the town, having everything in readiness for 
a descent, a very severe gale of wind came on, and being directly contrary, 
obliged us to bear away, after ha\dng in vain endeavored for some time to 
withstand its violence. The gale was so severe, that one of the prizes that 
had been taken on the 14th sunk to the bottom, the crew being with 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 113 

difficulty saved. As the alarm by this time had reached Leith by means 
of a cutter that had watched our motions that morning, and as the wind 
continued contrary (though more moderate in the evening), I thought it 
impossible to pui-sue the enterprise with a good prospect of success ; 
especially as Edinburgh, where there is always a number of troojjs, is only 
a mile distant from Leith, therefore I gave up the project. 

" On the 19th, having taken a sloop and a brigantine in balla'^t, with a 
sloop laden with building timber, I proposed another project to M. 
Cottineau, which w^ould have been highly honorable though not profitable ; 
many difficulties were made, and our situation was represented as being 
the most perilous. The enemy, he said, would send against us a superior 
force, and that if I obstinately continued on the coast of England two days 
longer, we should all be taken. The Vengeance having chased along 
shore to the southward, Captain Cottineau said he would follow her A«th 
the prizes, as I was unable to make much sail, having that day been 
obliged to strike the main-top-mast to repair damages ; and as I afterward 
undei-stood, he told M. De Chamillard that unless I joined them the next 
day, both the Pallas and the Vengeance would leave that coast. I had 
thoughts of attempting the enterprise alone after the Pallas had made sail 
to join the Vengeance. I am pereuaded even now, that I would have 
succeeded, and to the honor of my young officers, I found them as 
ardently disposed to the business as I could desire ; nothing pre\"ented me 
from pui-suing my design but the reproach that would have been cast upon 
my character, as a man of prudence, had the enterprise miscari-ied. It 
Avould have been said, was he not forewarned by Captain Cottineau and 
others ? 

" I made sail along shore to the southward, and next morning took a 
coasting sloop in ballast, which, with another that I had taken the night 
before, I ordered to be sunk. In the evening, I again met with the Palhis 
and Vengeance off Whitby. Captain Cottineau told me he had sunk the 
brigantine, and ransomed the sloop, laden with building timber, that had 
been taken the day before. I had told Captain Cottineau the day before, 
that I had no authoi-ity to ransom prizes. 

"On the 21st we saw and chased two sail, off Flamborough Head, the 
Pallas in the N. E. quarter, while the Bon homme Richard followed by 
the Vengeance in the S. W. The one I chased, a brigantine collier in 
ballast, belong-ing to Scarborough, was soon taken, and sunk immediately 
afterward, as a fleet then appeared to the southward : it was so late in the 
day that I could not come up with the fleet before night ; at length, 
however, I got so near one of them as to force her to run ashore, between 
Flamborough Head and the Spurn. Soon after I took another, a brigantine 
from Holland, belonging to Sunderland ; and at dayhght the next morning,. 

8 



114 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

seeing a fleet steering towards me from the Spurn, I imagined them to be 
a convoy, bound from London for Leith, which had been for some time 
expected, one of them had a pendant hoisted, and appeared to be a ship 
of force. They had not, however, courage to come on, but kept back, all 
except the one which seemed to be armed, and that one also kept to 
windward very near the land, and on the edge of dangerous shoals where 
I could not with safety approach. This induced me to make a signal for 
a pilot, and soon afterward two pilot boats came off; they informed me 
that the ship that wore a pendant was an armed merchant ship, and that 
a king's frigate day there in sight, at anchor within the Humber, waiting 
to take under convoy a number of merchant ships bound to the northward. 
The pilots imagined the Bon homme Richard to be an English ship of 
war, and consequently, communicated to me the private signal which they 
had been required to make. I endeavored by this means to decoy the 
ships out of the port, but the wind then changing, and with the tide 
becoming imfavorable for them, the deception had not the desired effect, 
and they wisely put back. Tlie entrance of the Humber is exceedingly 
difficult and dangei'ous, and as the Pallas was not in sight, I thought it 
not prudent to remain off the entrance ; I therefore steered out again to 
join the Pallas off Flamborough Head. In the night we saw and chased 
two ships, imtil three o'clock in the morning, when being at a very small 
distance from them, I made the private signal of recognizance, w'hich I had 
given to each captain before I sailed from Groaix, one half of the answer 
only was returned. In this position both sides lay to till daylight, when 
the ships proved to be the Alliance and the Pallas. 

" On the morning of that day, the 23d, the brig from Holland not being 
■in sight, we chased a brigantine that apj)eared laying to to windward. 
About noon we saw and chased a large ship that appeared coming round 
Flamborough Head, from the northward, and at the same time I manned 
and ai-med one of the pilot boats to sail in pursuit of the brigantine, which 
now appeared to be the vessel that I had forced ashore. Soon after this 
a fleet of forty-one sail appeared off Flamborough Head, bearing N. N. E. ; 
this induced me to abandon the single ship which had then anchored in 
Burlington Bay ; I also called back the pilot boat and hoisted a signal for 
a general chase. AVhen the fleet discovered us bearing down, all the 
merchant ships crowded sail towards the shore. The two ships of war 
that protected the fleet, at the same time steered from the land, and made 
the disposition for the battle : in approaching the enemy I crowded eveiy 
possible sail, and made the signal for the line of battle, to which the 
Alliance showed no attention. Earnest as I was for the action, I could 
not reach the commodore's ship until seven in the evening, being then 
within pistol shot, when he hailed the Bon homme Richard, we answered 
him by firing a whole broadside. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 115 

" The battle being thus begun, was continued witli unremitting fuiy. 
Every method was practised on both sides to gain an advantage, and rake 
each other ; and I must confess that the enemy's ship being much more 
manageable than the Bon homme Richard, gained thereby, several times 
an advantageous situation, in spite of my best endeavors to prevent it. As 
I had to deal Avith an enemy of greatly superior force^ I was under the 
necessity of closing with him, to prevent the advantage which he had o\'er 
me in point of manoeun-e. It was my intention to lay the Bon homme 
Richard athwart the enemy's bow, but as that operation required great 
dexterity in the management of both sails and helm, and some of 
our braces being shot away, it did not exactly succeed to ray wishes ; the 
enemy's bowsprit, however, came over the Bon homme Richard's poop by 
the mizen mast, and I made both ships fast together in that situation, 
which by the action of the wind on the enemy's sails, forced her stern 
close to the Bon homme Richard's bow, so that the ships lay square 
alongside of each other, the yards being all entangled, and the cannon of 
each ship touching the opponent's side. When this position took place it 
was eight o'clock, previous to which the Bon homme Richai'd had recei\'ed 
sundry eighteen pounds shot below the water, and leaked very much. My 
battery of 12-pounders, on which I had placed my chief dependance, being 
commanded by Lieut. Dale and Col. Weibert, and manned principally with 
American seamen, and French volunteers, were entirely silenced and 
abandoned. As to the six old 1 8-pounders that formed the battery of the 
lower gun-deck, they did no service whatever; two out of three of them 
burst at the first fire, and killed almost all the men who were stationed to 
manage them. Before this time, too. Col. De Chamillard, who commanded 
a party of twenty soldiers on the poop, had abandoned that station, after 
having lost some of his men. These men deserted their quarters. I had 
now only two pieces of cannon, 9-pounders, on the quarter deck that were 
not silenced, and not one of the heavier cannon was fired during tlie rest 
of the action. The purser, Mr. Mease, who commanded the guns on the 
quarter deck, being dangerously wounded in the head, I was obliged to fill 
his [ilace, and ^vith great difficulty rallied a few men, and shifted over one 
of the lee quarter-deck guns, so that we afterwards played three pieces of 
9 pounders upon the enemy. The tops alone seconded the fire of this 
little batteiy, and held out bravely during the whole of the action ; 
especially the main top where Lieut. Stack commanded. I directed the 
fire of one of the three cannon against the main-mast with double-headed 
shot, while the other two were exceedingly well served with grape and 
canister-shot to silence the enemy's musketry, and clear her decks,' which 
was at last effected. The enemy were, as I have since understood, on the 
instant of calling for quarters, when the cowardice or treachery of three' 



116 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

of my under officers induced them to call to the enemy. The English 
commodore asked me if I demanded quarters, and I having answered 
him in the most determined negative, they renewed the battle Avith double 
fury ; they were unable to stand the deck, but the fire of their cannon, 
especially the lower battery, which was entirely formed of 18 pounders, 
was incessant. Both S'hips were set on fii-e in various places, and the 
scene was dreadful beyond the reach of language. To account for the 
. timidity of my three under officers, I mean the gunner, the cai-penter, and 
the master-at-arms, I must observe that the two first were slightly 
wounded, and as the ship had received various shots under Avater, and one 
of the pumps being shot away, the carpenter expressed his fear that she 
would sink, and the other two concluded that she was sinking, which 
occasioned the gunner to run aft on the poop, without my knowledge, to 
strike the colors ; fortunately for me, a cannon ball had done that before, 
by carrying away the ensign staff; he was, therefore, reduced to the 
necessity of sinking, — as he supposed, — or of calling for quarter, and he 
preferred the latter. 

" All this time the Bon homme Richard had sustained the action alone, 
and the enemy, though much superior in force, would have been very glad 
to have got clear, as appears l^y tlieir own acknowledgments, and their 
having let go an anchor the instant tliat I laid them on board, by which 
means they would have escaped, had I not made them well fast to the 
Bon homme Richard. 

"At last, at half past nine o'clock, the Alliance appeared, and I now 
thought the battle at an end ; but to my utter astonishment, he discharged 
a broadside full into the stern of the Bon homme Richard. Wfe called 
to him for God's sake to forbear firing into the Bon homme Richard ; yet 
he passed along the oft' side of the ship, and continued firing. There 
was no possibility of his mistaking the enemy's ship for the Bon homme 
Richard, there being the most essential difference in their appearance and 
construction ; besides, it was then full moonlight, and the sides of the 
Bon homme Richard were all black, while the sides of the prizes were 
yellow ; yet, for the greater security, I showed the signal of our 
reconnoissance, by putting out three lanthorns, one at the head (bow), 
another at the stern (quarter), and the third in the middle, in a horizontal 
line. Every tongue cried that he was firing into the wrong ship, but 
nothing availed, he passed roimd, firing into the Bon homme Richard's 
head, stern, and broadside, and by one of his voUies killed several of my 
best men, and mortally wounded a good officer on the forecastle. My 
situation was really deplorable. The Bon homme Richard received 
various shots under water from the Alliance ; the leak gained on the 
pumps ; and the fire increased much on board both ships. Some officei"s 



LIFE OF JOHNPAUL JONES. 117 

persuaded me to strike, of whose courage and good sense I entertain a 
high opinion. My treacherous master-at-arms let loose all my prisoners 
without my knowledge, and my jDrospect l)ecame gloomy indeed. I would 
not, however, give up the point. The enemy's main-mast began to shake, 
their tiring decreased, ours rather increased, and the British colors were 
struck at half an hour past ten o'clock. 

"This prize proved to be the British ship-of-war the SerapiSj_ a new ship 
of 44 guns, buUt on their most approved construction, wth two complete 
O batteries, one of them of '18 pounders, and commanded by the brave 
Commodore Richard Pearson. I had yet two enemies to encounter far 
m(ire formidable than the Britons : — I mean fire and water. The Serapis 
wjis attacked only by the first, but the Bon homme Richard was assailed 
by both : there were five feet water in the hold, and though it was 
moderate from the explosion of so much gunpowder, yet the three pumps 
that remained could with difficulty only keep the water from gaining. 
The fire broke out in various parts of the ship, in spite of all the water 
that could be thrown to quench it, and at length bi'oke out as low as the 
powder magazine, and within a few inches of the powder. In that 
dilemma, I took out the powder upon deck, ready to be thi-own overboard 
at the last extremity, and it was 10 o'clock the next day, the 24th, before 
the fire was entirely extinguished. With respect to the situation of the 
Bon homme Richard, the rudder was cut entu-ely off" the stern frame, and 
the transums were, almost entirely cut away; the timbers, by the lower 
deck especially, from the main-mast to the stern, being greatly decayed 
with age, were mangled beyond my power of description ; and a person 
must have been an eye\vitness to form a just idea of the tremendous scene 
of carnage, wreck, and ruin that everywhere appeared. Humanity cannot 
but recoil from the prospect of such finished horror, and lament that war 
should produce such fatal consequences. 

"After the carpenters, as well as Capt. de Cottineau, and other men of 
sense had well examined and surveyed the ship (which was not finished 
before five in the evening), I found every person to be convinced that it 
was impossible to keep the Bon homme Richard afloat so as to reach a 
port if the wind should increase, it being then only a very moderate 
breeze. I had but little time to remove my wounded, which now became 
imavoidable, and which was eflfected in the course of the night and next 
morning. I was determined to keep the Bon homme Richard afloat, and, 
if possible, to bring lier into port. For that purpose the first lieutenant 
of the Pallas continued on board with a party of men to attend the 
pumps, with boats in waiting, ready to take them on board, in case the 
water should gain on them too fast. The wind augmented in the night 
and the next day, on the 25 th, so that it was impossible to prevent the 



118 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

good old ship from sinking. They did not abandon her till after 9 
o'clock ; the water was then up to the lower deck, and a little after ten, I 
saw with inexpressible gTief the last glimpse of the Bon homme Richard. 
No hves were lost with the ship, but it was impossible to save the 
stores of any sort whatever. I lost even the best part of my clothes, 
books, and papers ; and several of my officers lost all their clothes and effects. 

" Having thus endeavored to give a clear and simple relation of the 
circumstances and events that have attended the httle armament under my 
command, I shall freely submit my conduct therein to the censure of my 
superiors and the impartial public. I beg leave, however, to observe, that 
the force that was put under my command was far fi-om being well com- 
posed ; and as the great majority of the actois in it have appeared bent 
on the pursuit of interest only, I am exceedingly sorry that they and I 
have been at all concerned. I am in the hio'hest degree sensible of the 
singular attentions which I have experienced from the court of France, 
which I shall remember with perfect gratitude until the end of my hfe, 
and will always endeavor to merit, while I can, consistent with my honor, 
continue in the public service. I must speak plainly. As I have been 
always honored with the full confidence of Congress, and as I also flattered 
myself with enjoying in some measure the confidence of the Court of 
France, I could not but be astonished at the conduct of M. de Chaumont, 
when, in the moment of my departure from Groaix, he produced a paper, 
a concordat, for me to sign, in common with the officers whom I had 
commissioned but a few days before. Had that paper, or even a less 
dishonorable one, been proposed to me at the beginning, I would have 
rejected it with just contempt, and the word deplacement, among others, 
should have been necessary. I cannot, however, even now suppose that 
lie was authorized by the Court to make such a bargain with me ; nor 
can I suppose that the minister of the marine meant that M. de Chaumont 
should consider me merely as a colleague with the commanders of the 
other ships, and communicate to them not only all he knew, but all he 
thought, respecting our destination and operations. M. de Chaumont has 
made me various reproaches on account of the expense of the Bon homme 
Richard, wherewith I cannot think I have been justly chargeable. M. de 
Chamillard can attest that the Bon homme Richard was at last far fi-om 
being well fitted or armed for war. If any pereon or persons who have 
been charged with the expense of that armament have acted wrong, the 
fault must not be laid to my charge. I had no authority to superintend 
that armament, and the persons who had authority were so far from giving 
me what I thought necessary, that M. de Chaumont even refused, among 
other things, to allow me u'ons for securing the prisoners of war. 

" In short, while my hfe remains, if I have any capacity to render good 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 119 

and acceptable services to the common cause, no man will step forth with 
greater cheerfulness and alacrity than myself, but I am not made to be 
dishonored, nor can I accept of the half confidence of any man living ; of 
coui-se I cannot, consistent with my honor and a prospect of success, 
undertake future expeditions, unless when the object and destination is 
communicated to me alone, and to no other person in the marine line. In 
cases where troops are embarked, a like confidence is due alone to their 
commander-in-chief. On no other condition will I ever undertake the 
chief command of a private expedition ; and when I do not command in 
chief, I have no desire to be in the secret. 

" Captain Cottineau engaged the Countess of Scarborough, and took 
her after an hour's action, while the Bon homme Richard engaged the 
Serapis, The Countess of Scarborough is an armed ship of 20 six- 
pounders, and was commanded by a king's officer. In the action, the 
Countess of Scarborough and the Serapis were at a considerable distance 
asunder; and the AUiance, as I am informed, fired into the Pallas and 
killed some men. If it should be asked why the convoy was suftered to 
escape, I must answer, that I was myself in no condition to pursue, and 
that none of the rest showed any inclination, not even Mr. Ricot, who had 
held off at a distance to windward during the whole action, and withheld 
by force the pilot boat with my heutenant and 15 men.* The Alliance, 
too, was in a state to pursue the fleet, not having had a single man 
wounded, or a single shot fired at her from the Serapis, and only three 
that did execution from the Countess of Scarborough, at such a distance 
that one stuck in the side, and the other two just touched and then 
dropped into the water. The Alliance killed one man only on board the 
Serapis. As Captain de Cottineau charged himself with manning and 
securing the prisonei's of the Countess of Scarborough, I think the escape 
of the Baltic fleet cannot so well be charged to his account. 

" I should have mentioned that the mainmast and mizentopmast of the 
Serapis fell overboard soon after the captain had come on board the Bon 
homme Richard. 

" Upon the whole, the captain of the Alliance has behaved so very ill 
in eveiy respect, that I nmst complain loudly of his conduct. He pre- 
tends that he is authorized to act independent of my command : I have 
been taught the contrary ; but supposing it to be so, his conduct has been 
base and unpardonable. M. de Chamillard will explain the particulars. 
Either Captain Landais or myself is highly criminal, and one or the other 



* This is founded on a report that has proved to be false ; for it now appears that 
Capt. Ricot expressly ordered the pilot boat to board the Bon homme Richard, which 
order was disobeyed. 



120 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES 



must be punislied. I forbear to take any steps with him until I have the 
advice and approbation of your excellency. I have been advised by all 
the officers of the squadron to put M. Landais under arrest ; but as I have 
postponed it so long, I will bear with him a httle longer, until the return 
of my express. 

" We this day anchored here, hanng since the action been tossed to 
and fro by contrary winds. I wished to have gained the Road of Dunkirk 
on account of our prisoners, but was overruled by the majority of my 
colleagues. I shall hasten up to Amsterdam, and there if I meet with no 
orders from my government, I will take the ad\ice of the French ambassador. 
It is my present intention to have the Countess of Scarborough ready to 
"transport the prisoners from hence to Dunkirk, imless it should be found 
more expedient to deliver them to the English ambassador, taking his 
obligation to send to Dunkirk, &c. immediately an equal number of 
American prisonei's. I am under strong apprehensions that our object 
here will l^iil, and that through the imprudence of M. de Chaumont, who 
has communicated everything he knew or thought on the matter to 
persons who cannot heljj talking of it at a full table. This is the way he 
keeps state secrets, though he never mentioned the affair to me. 

" 1 am ever, &c. 

"John P. Jones." 



" Particulars of the hloody engagement hetween the JJ. S. Frigate Bon 
honime Richard and British Frigate Serapis, written for the author 
by his late friend, Commodore Richard Dale, First Lieutenant of the 
Bon homyne Richard. 

"On the 23d of September, 17*79, being below, was roused by an 
imusual noise upon deck. This induced me to go upon deck, when I 
found the men were swaying up the royal yards, preparatory to making 
sail for a large fleet under our lee. I asked the coasting pilot what fleet 
it was ? He answered, ' The Baltic fleet, under convoy of the Serapis of ' 
44 guns, and the Countess of Scarborough of 20 guns.' A general chase 
then commenced of the Bon homme Richard, the Vengeance, the Pallas, 
and the Alliance. The latter ship being then in sight after a separation 
from the squadron of nearly three weeks, but which ship, as usual, disre- 
garded the private signals of the commodore. At this time our fleet 
headed to the northward, with a hght breeze, Flamborough head being 
about two leagues distant. At 7 p.m. it was evident the Baltic fleet per- 
ceived we were in chase, from the signal of the Serapis to the merchant- 
men to stand in shore. At the same time, the Serapis and Countess of 
Scarborough, tacked ship, and stood otf shore, with the intention of 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 121 

drawing off our attention from tlie convoy. When these ships had 
separated from the convoy about two miles, they again tacked and stood 
in shore after the merchantmen. At about eight, being within hail, the 
Serapis demanded, ' what ship is that ?' He was answered, ' I can't hear 
what you say.' Immediately after the Serapis hailed again, ' what ship is 
that ? Answer immediately, or I shall be under the necessity of firing 
into you.' At this moment I received ordere from Commodore Jones to 
commence the action with a broadside, which indeed appeared to be 
simultaneous on board both ships. Our position being to windward of 
the Serapis, we passed ahead of her, and the Serapis coming up on our 
larboard quarter, the action commenced abreast of each other. The 
Serapis soon passed ahead of the Bon homme Richard, and when he 
thought he had gained a distance sufficient to go down athwart the fore 
foot to rake us, found he had not enough distance, and that the Bon 
homme Richard would be aboard him, put his helm a-lee, which brought 
the two ships on a fine, and the Bon homme Richard, ha\ing headway, 
ran her bows into the stern of the Serapis. We had remained in this 
situation but a few minutes when we were again hailed by the Serapis, 
' Has your ship struck V To which Captain Jones answered, ' I have not 
yet begun to fight.' As we were unable to bring a single gun to bear ■ 
upon the Serapis, our topsails were backed, while those of the Serapis 
being filled, the ships separated. The Serapis wore short round upon her 
heel, and her jibboom ran into the mizen rigging of the Bon homme 
Richard ; in this situation the ships were made fast together with a liawser, 
the bowsprit of the Serapis to the mizenmast of the Bon homme Richard, 
and the action recommenced from the starboard sides of the two ships. 
With a view of separating the sliips, the Serapis let go her anchor, which 
manoeuvre brought her head, and the stern of the Bon homme Richard to 
the wind, while the ships lay closely pressed against each other. A 
novelty in naval combats was now presented to many witnesses, but to 
few admirers. The rammers were run into the respective ships to enable 
the men to load after the lower ports of the Serapis had been blown away, 
to make i-oom for running out their guns, and in this situation the ships 
remained until between 10 and 11 o'clock p.m., when the engagement 
terminated by the surrender of the Serapis. 

" From the commencement to the termination of the action, there was 
not a man on board the Bon homme Richard ignorant of the superiority 
of the Serapis, both in weight of metal, and in the qualities of the crews. 
The crew of that ship was picked seamen, and the ship itself had been 
only a few months off the stocks ; whereas the crew of the Bon homme 
Richard consisted of part American, English, and French, and a part of 
Maltese, Portuguese, and Malays, these latter contributing, by their want 



122 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

of naval skill and knowledge of the English language, to depress rather 
than elevate a just hope of success in a combat under such circumstances. 
Neither the consideration of the relative force of the ships, the fact of the 
blowing up of the gun-deck above them by the bursting of two of the 18 
pounders, nor the alarm that the sliip was sinking, could depress the ardor 
or change the determination of the brave Captain Jones, his officei-s and 
men. Neither the repeated broadsides of the Alliance, given with the 
view of sinking or disabling the Bon homme Richard, the frequent neces- 
sity of suspending the combat to extinguish the flames, which several 
times were within a few inches of the magazine, nor the liberation by the 
master-at-arms of nearly 500 prisoners, could change or weaken the pur- 
pose of the American commander. At the moment of the liberation of 
the prisoners, one of them, a commander of a 20 gun ship taken a few 
days before, passed through the ports on board the Serapis, and informed 
Captain Pearson that if he would hold out only a little while longer, the 
ship along-side would either strike or sink, and that all the prisoners had 
been released to save their lives. The combat was accordingly continued 
with renewed ardor by the Serapis. 

" The fire from the tops of the Bon homme Richard was conducted with 
so much skill and eft'ect as to destroy ultimately every man who appeared 
upon the quarter-deck of the Serapis, and induced her commander to order 
the survivors to go below. Nor even under shelter of the decks were they 
more secure. The powder-monkeys of the Serapis finding no officer to 
receive the 18 pound cartridges brought from the magazines, threw them 
on the main-deck, and went for more. These cartridges being scattered 
along the deck, and numbers of them broken, it so happened that some of 
the hand-grenades thrown from the main-yard of the Bon homme Richard, 
which was directly over the main-hatch of the Serapis, fell upon this pow- 
der, and produced a most awful explosion. The effect Avas tremendous ; 
more than twenty of the enemy were blown to pieces, and many stood 
with only the collars of their shirts upon their bodies. In less than an 
hour afterward, the flag of England, which had been nailed to the mast 
of the Serapis, was struck by Captain Pearson's oivn hand, as none of his 
people would venture aloft on this duty ; and this, too, when more than 
1500 pei'sons were witnessing the conflict, and the humihating teiTnination 
of it,^ from Scarborough and Flamborough head. 

" Upon finding that the flag of the Serapis had been struck, I went to 
Captain Jones, and asked \'^hether I might board the Serapis ? to whicjb he 
consented ; and, jumping upon the gunwale, seized the main-brace pen- 
nant, and swung myself upon her quarter-deck. Midshipman Mayrant 
followed with a party of men, and was immediately run through 
the thigh with a boarding-pike by some of the enemy stationed in the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 123 

waist, who were not informed of the surrender of their ship. I found 
Captain Pearson standing on the leeward side of the quarter-deck, and, 
addressing myself to him, said — ' Sir, I have orders to send you on board 
the ship along-side.' The first lieutenant of the Serapis coming up at this 
moment, inquired of Captain Pearson whether the ship along-side had 
struck to him ? To which I replied, ' No, sir, the contrary ; he has struck 
to us.' The Ueutenant renewing his inquiry, have you struck, sir ? was 
answered, ' Yes, I have.' The lieutenant replied, ' I have nothing more to 
say ; ' and was about to return below, when I informed him he must 
accompany Captain Pearson on board the ship alongside. He said, "If 
you will permit me to go below, I will silence the firing of the lower-deck 
guns.' This request was refused, and with Captain Peai-son was passed 
over to the deck of the Bon homme Richard. Orders being sent below to 
cease firing, the engagement terminated, after a most obstinate contest of 
three hours and a half. 

" Upon receiving Captain Pearson on board the Bon homme Richard, 
Captain Jones gave orders to cut loose the hnshings, and directed me to 
follow him with the Serapis. Perceiving the Bon homme Richard leaving 
the Serapis, I sent one of the quarter-masters to ascertain whether the 
wheel-ropes were cut away, supposing something extraordinary must be 
the matter, as the ship would not pay off, although the head sails were 
aback, and no after sail ; the quarter-master returning, reported that the 
wheel-ropes were all well, and the helm hard a-port. Excited by this 
extraordinary circumstance, I jumped off" the binnacle, where I had been 
sitting, and felling upon the deck, found to my astonishment I had the 
use of only one of my legs : a splinter of one of the guns had struck and 
badly wounded my leg, without my perceiving the injury until this 
moment. I was replaced upon the binnacle, when the sailing-master of 
the Serapis coming up to me, observed that from my ordei-s he judged I 
must be ignorant of the ship being at anchor. Noticing the second lieu- 
tenant of the Bon homme Richard, I directed him to go below and cut 
away the cable, and follow the Bon homme Richard with the Serapis. I 
was then carried on board the Bon homme Riciard to have my wound 
di'essed." 

ADMIEALTY OFFICE, 

October 12, 1779. 

A letter from Capt. Richard Pearson, of his Majesty's ship 
Serapis to Mr. Stephens, of which the foUo^ving is a copy, was 
yesterday" received at this office. 



124 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



"Pallas, French Frigate, in Congress 
service, Texel, October 6, 1*779. 
" Sir, 
"You will be pleased to iuform the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty, that on the 23d ult., being close in with Scarborough, about 4 
o'clock, a boat came on board with a letter from the baihffs of that 
corporation, giving information of a flying squadron of the enemy's ships 
being on the coast, and a part of the said squadron having been seen 
from thence the day before, standing to the southward. As soon as I 
received this intelligence I made the signal for the convoy to bear down 
under my lee, and repeated it with two guns ; notwithstanding which the 
van of the convoy kept their wind, with all sail stretching out to the 
southward from under Flamborough Head, till between twelve and one, 
when the headmost of them got sight of the enemy's ships, which were 
then in chase of them ; they then tacked, and made the best of their 
way under the shore for Scarborough, &c. letting fly their top-gallant 
sheets, and firing guns ; upon which I made all the sail I could to wind- 
ward, to get between the enemy's ships and the convoy, which I soon 
effected. At 1 o'clock we got sight of the enemy's ships from the masthead, 
and about 4 we made them plain from the deck to be three large ships 
and a brig, upon which I made the Countess of Scarborough a signal to 
join me, she being in shore with the convoy. At the same time I made 
the signal for the convoy to make the best of their way, and repeated the 
sio-nal with two ffuns : I then brouo-ht to, to let the Countess of Scarbo- 
rough come up, and cleared ship for action. At half past 5 the Countess 
of Scarborough joined me, the enemy's ships bearing down upon us with 
a hght breeze at S.S.W., at 6 tacked, in order to keep our gTOund the 
better between the enemy's ships and the convoy : soon after which we 
perceived the ships bearing down upon us to be a two-decked ship and 
two frigates, bvit from their keeping end on, and bearing upon us, we 
could not discern what colors they were under ; at about 20 minutes past 
V the largest ship of the three brought to on our larboard bow, within 
musket-shot. I hailed him and asked what ship it was ; they answered 
in English, ' The Princess Royal.' I then asked where they belonged to, 
they answered evasively ; on which I told them, if they did not answer 
directly I would fire into them ; they then answered with a shot which 
was instantly returned with a broadside ; and, after exchanging two or 
three broadsides, he backed his topsails, and dropt upon om* quarter 
within pistol shot, then filled again, put his helm-a-weather, and run us on 
board upon our weather quarter, and attempted to board us, but being 
repulsed, he sheered oft'; upon which I backed our topsails, in order to 
get square with him again, which, as soon as he observed, he then filled, 



LIFE OF .TO UN PAUL JONES. 125 

put his helm a-weather, and laid us athwart hause ; his mizen-shrouds 
took our jib-boom, which hung him for some time until at last it gave 
way, and we dropt alongside of each other, head and stern, when the 
fluke of our spare anchor hooking his quarter, we became so close fore and 
aft that the muzzles of our guns touched each other's sides. In this 
position we engaged fi'om half past 8 till half past 10, during which time, 
from the great quantity and variety of combustible matters which they 
threw in upon our decks, chains, and, in short, into every part of the ship, 
we were on fire no less than ten or twelve times in difterent parts of the 
ship, and it was with the greatest difhculty and exertion imaginable at 
times that we were able to get it extinguished. At the same time the 
largest of the two frigates kept saihng round us the whole action and 
raking us fore and aft, by which means she killed or wounded almost 
every man on the quarter and main decks. About half past 9, either 
from a hand-grenade being thrown in at one of our lower-deck ports, or 
from some other accident, a cartridge of powder was set on fire, the flames 
of which running from cartridge to cartridge all the way aft, blew up the 
whole of the people and officers that were quartered abaft the main-mast; 
from which unfoilunate circumstance all those guns were rendered useless 
for the remainder of the action and, I fear, the gi-eatest part of the people 
will lose their lives. x\t 10 o'clock they called for quartei-s from the ship 
alongside, and said they had struck ; hearing this I called upon the captain 
to know if he had struck, or if he asked for quarters ; but no answer 
being made, after repeating my words two or three times, I called for the 
boardei"s and ordered them to board, which they did ; but the moment 
they were on board her, they discovered a superior number laying under 
cover with pikes in their hands, ready to receive them, on which our 
jieople retreated instantly to their guns again till past 10, when the 
fi-igate coming across our stern, and pouring her broadside into us again, 
without our being able to bring a gun to bear on her, I found it in vain, 
and indeed impracticable from the situation we were in, to stand out any 
longer with the least prospect of success. I therefore struck (our main- 
mast at the same time went by the board). The first lieutenant and 
myself were immediately escorted into the ship along-side, when we found 
her to be an American ship-of-war, called the Bon homme Richard of 40 
guns and 375 men, commanded by Capt. Paul Jones, the other frigate 
which engaged us to be the Alliance of 40 guns and 300 men, and the 
third frigate which engaged and took the Countess of Scarborough, after 
two hours' action, to be the Pallas, a French fi-igate of 32 guns and 2*75 
men, the Vengeance an armed brig of 12 guns and 70 men, all in 
Congi-ess service and under the command of Paul Jones. They fitted out 
and sailed from Port L'Orient the latter end of July, and came north 



126 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

about ; they have on board 300 English prisoners which they have taken 
in different vessels in their way round since they left France, and have 
ransomed some others. On my going on board the Bon homme Richard 
I found her to be in the greatest distress ; her counters and quarter on 
the lower deck entirely di'ove in, and the whole of her lower deck guns 
dismounted ; she was also on lire in two j^ laces, and six or seven feet water 
in her hold, which kept increasing upon them all night and the next day, 
till they were obliged to quit her, and she sunk with a great number of 
her wounded people on board her. She had 306 men killed and wounded 
in the action ; our loss in the Serapis was also \'ery great. My officers 
and people in general behaved well, and I should be very remiss in my 
attention to their merit, were I to omit recommending the remains of them 
to theii' Lordships' favor. 

" Herewith I enclose you the most exact list of the killed and wounded 
I have as yet been able to procure, from my })eople being dispersed among 
the different ships, and having been refused permission to muster them; 
there are, I find, many more both killed and wounded than appears in 
the enclosed list, but their names I find as yet impossible to ascei'tain ; 
as soon as I possibly can, I shall give their Lordships a full account of 
the whole. 

" I am, Sir, &c. 

" R. Pearson." * 

A more perfect idea of tlie dreadful havoc on board the 
Serapis may be obtained from the official list of the womided 
prisoners taken in that ship ; and it may gratify the curiosity 
of those readers who are desirous of learning more particularly 
the nmltiplied afflictions to which persons engaged in naval 
warfare are exposed : — 

"Zts< of wounded prisoners on board the Serapis. 

''September 30th, 1119. 

James Clerk, . . . thigh fractured. 
Richard Angel, . . wounded hand. 

* On Paul Jones' arrival in New York, after his capture of the crack British 
Frigate Serapis of 50 guns, off Flainborough Head, after six hours' fight yard arm 
and yard arm, by moonlight, he was iiilbrmed by a friend that Captain Pearson of 
the Seraphishad been knighted. " Well," said Jones, " he deserved it ; and should I 
have the good fortune to fall in with him again, I will make a iMrd of him." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES 



127 



John Robertson, 

Abraham Cornish, . 

John Robertson, 

William Rogei-s, 

Leonard Addison, . 

Richard WiUiams, . 

James Ashworth, . 

John M'Lean, 

Cumberland Ward, 

Charles Jebb, 

Richard Mason, 

Benjamin Rushton, 

William Hudson, . 

Edward Morgan, . 

Mr. Brownhill, 

Mr. Wightman, 

Robert Ozord, 

Mr. Bannatyne, Surgeon^ 

Mr. M'Knight, ) , . ,^ 
■AT T--. 1 r MS Mates, 

Mr. Kitchen, ) ' 

Stephen Maggot, . 

John Clark, . 

Thomas Rubbish, . 

Charles Brooks, 

John Campbell, 

Charles Davis, 

William Pubbelon, 

Anthony Franks, . 

Robert Man, . 

John Oliver, . 

Thomas Mereell, 

Wilham Guerney, . 

Samuel Davis, 

Harry Hook, 



wounded hand. 

wounded leg and scorched. 

wounded legs. 

wounded arm. 

wounded legs. 

wounded shoulder. 

wounded shoulder. 

wounded side. 

wounded thigh and scorched. 

arm shot off and much scorched. 

wounded arm. 

wounded shoulder and scoi'ched. 

wounded shoulder. 

wounded shoulder. 

wounded arm and side. 

both arms wounded. 

scorched slightly. 

fingers slightly scorched. 

much scorched in the face. 

wounded back, 
wounded wrist, 
wounded shoulder, 
shoulder much bruised, 
shot in the hand, 
wounded haunch, 
shot in the back, 
arm amputated, 
leg wounded, 
shot in the back. 
arm and thigh wounded, 
slightly wounded, 
arm and thigh wounded. 
arm and breast wounded. 



" The following miserably scorched. 

Abraham Portsmouth, William Searcher, 

Mr. My cock, Thomas Sand well, Boy, 

Mr. Popplewell, • Benjamin Pickei-sgill, 

Thomas Rivei-s, Thomas Hyslop, 

William Bennet, Jeremy Muiphy, 

Joseph Springale, Charles Metcalf, 



128 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

John Lawrence, Richard Seaton, 

George Lever, Alexander Hutchinson, 

James Caw, WilHam Crow, 

John Paul, Thomas Weeks, 

Robert Ligram, John Ashby, 

James Hall, Seven or eight Lascars. 

" Dead of their wounds. 

Mr. Brown, Master's Mate, Patrick Sulivan, 

Mr. Plaice, Boatswain, John Ellison, 

John Jones, Marine, Private, John Appleby, 

Edward Vernon, Michael , Capt. Servant. 

" Besides one or two others whose names could not be ascertained. 

" Wm. Bannatyne, English Surgeon.''^ 

*' Sir Joseph Yorke, the British Ambassador, presented the following 
memorial to their High Mightinesses, on the 9th inst. 

"■Hague, Oct. 13th, 1119. 
" High and Mighty Lords, 

" The undei-signed, amliassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of 
the King of Great Britain, has the honor to communicate to your High 
Mightinesses, that two of his majesty's ships, the Serapis and the Countess 
of Scarborough, arrived some days ago in the Texel, having been attacked 
and taken by foi'ce by a certain Paul Jones, a subject of the king, who, 
according to treaties and the laws of war, can only be considered as a rebel 
and a pirate. The undei-signed is, therefore, in duty bound to recur to 
your High Mightinesses, and demand their immediate ordei-s that those 
ships, with their officers and crews, may be stopped, and he especially 
recommends to your humanity, to permit the wounded to be brought on 
shore, that j^roper attention may be paid to them, at the expense of the 
king his master. 

" YoRKE." 



'■'■ Resolutions of their High Mightinesses relative to Paul Jones's squadron 
and prizes, delivered to the English ambassador at the Hague, on the 
25th October, 1119. 

" That their High Mightinesses, being informed that three frigates had 
lately arrived at the Texel, namely, two French and one called an 
American, commanded by Paul Jones, bringing with them two prizes 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JOKES. 129 

taken by tliem in the open sea, and called the Serapis and the Countess 
of Scarborough described in the ambassador's memorial. That their High 
Mightinesses, having for a century past strictly observed the following 
maxim, and notified the same by placards, viz., that they will in no respect 
whatever pretend to judge of the legality or illegality of the actions of 
those who have on the open sea taken any vessels which do not belong to 
this country, and bi'ing them into any of the ports of this republic ; that 
they only open their ports to them to give them shelter from storms or 
other disasters ; and that they obhge them to put to sea again with their 
prizes without unloading or disposing of their cargoes, but letting them 
remain exactly as when they arrived. That their High Mightinesses will 
not examine whether the prizes taken by the three frigates in question 
belong to the French or the Americans, or whether they are legal or 
illegal prizes, but leave all that to be determined by the proper judges, 
and will obhge them to put to sea, that they may be liable to be retaken, 
and by that means brought before the proper judge, particularly as his 
excellency the ambassador must own he would have no less a right to 
reclaim the above mentioned ships if they had been private property, than 
as they have been king's ships ; therefore their High Mightinesses are not 
authorised to pass judgment either upon these prizes, or the person of Paul 
Jones ; that, as to what regards acts of humanity, their High Mightinesses 
have ah-eady made appear how ready they are to show them towards the 
wounded on board of the vessels, and that they have given orders accord- 
ingly. That an extract of the present resolution be given to Sir Jose]:)h 
Yorke, by the agent, Vander Burch de Spierinxhock." 

" Extract of a memorial 2yresented hy Sir Joseph Yorhe^ His Majesty's 
Ambassador at the Hague, to their High Mightinesses, requesting the 
delivering up the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, taken by Paul 
Jones. 

" High and Mighty Lords, 

" In thanking your High Mightinesses for the orders which your 
humanity dictated relative to the wounded men on board the two king's 
ships, the Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough, I cannot but comply 
vnth the strict orders of his majesty, by renewing in the strongest and 
most pressing manner his request that these ships and then- crews may be 
stopped and delivered up, which the pirate Paul Jones, of Scotland, who 
is a rebel subject and a criminal of the state, has taken. 

" The king would think he derogated from his own dignity, as well as 
that of your High Mightinesses, were he to enter into the particulars of a 
case so notorious as that in question, or to set before the eyes of the 

9 



130 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

ancient friends and allies of his crown, analogous examples of other princes 
and states, but will only remark that all the placards even of yom- High 
Mightinesses require that all the captains of foreign armed vessels shall, 
upon their arrival, present their lettei-s of marque, or commission : and 
authorizes, according to the custom of admiralties, to treat all those as 
pirates whose letters are found to be illegal, for want of being granted by 
a sovereign power. 

" The quality of Paul Jones, and all the circumstances of the affau', are 
too notorious for your High Mightinesses to be ignorant of them. The 
eyes of all Europe are fixed upon your resolution ; your High Mightinesses 
know too well the value of good faith not to give an example of it in this 
essential rencontre. The smallest deviation from so sacred a rule by 
weakening the principle of neighbors may produce serious consequences. 

"Joseph Yorke, 
'■'■Bone at the Hague, Oct. 29th, 1779. 

The answer whicli their High Mightinesses caused to be given 
to the above memorial was in brief: — "that they will in no 
respect take upon them to judge of the legality or illegalitj of 
those who have on the open sea taken any vessels which do not 
belong to their country ; that tliey only open their ports to give 
them shelter from storms, or other disasters ; and that they 
oblige them to go to sea again with their prizes, without suffer- 
ing them to unload or dispose of any part of their cargoes, that 
they may be liable to be retaken in the same state they were 
taken ; but do not think themselves authorised to pass judgment 
upon those prizes, or the person of Paul Jones." 

A statement of Mr. Van Berckel, Grand Pensionary of Amsterdam, and 
of Mr. Dumas, Agent of the United States in Holland. 

"The Commodore John Paul Jones, commanding a hght squadron, 
equipped at the expense of his most Christian Majesty, under the flag and 
commission of the United States of America, made sail from France, 
August the 14th, 1779 : about the same time that the grand combined 
fleets of France and Spain, of 66 vessels of the line, under the command 
of his excellency the Count d'OrvilUers, appeared in the channel between 
France and England. As they expected that a French army, under the 
protection of this fleet, would make a descent upon the southern coast of 



LTFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 131 

England, the Commodore having a carte-blanche, beheved it to be his 
duty to make a strong diversion, in order to facihtate the enterpiise. To 
this effect he alarmed and insulted the coast and ports of the enemy from 
Cape Clear along the western coast of Ireland, by the north of Scotland, to 
Hull, the east of England. In the course of this service, as difficult as 
important, he made many armed captures, and destroyed a number of 
merchant vessels belonging to the enemy. The great object of the Com- 
modore vpas to intercept the British fleet returning fi-ora the Baltic, and 
consequently to deprive the enemy of the means of equipping their vessels 
of war. There is every reason to believe that he would have completely 
effected this object, if he had not been abandoned on the coast of Ireland 
by a considerable part of his forces, and if his frigate, the Bon homme 
Richard, had been in the least assisted in this memorable combat with the 
Serapis, a two-decker, and against the frigate the Countess of Scarborough. 
But after the commodore had fought these^ two vessels during one hour, 
the distance of pistol-shot, whilst the rest of his forces sheltered themselves 
from any damage, notwithstanding the advantage of the wind, the American 
frigate the Alliance traitorously fired three broadsides of grape-shot into 
the Bon homme Richard. During the whole affair the Alliance took care 
not to expose herself to receive a single shot, nor to have a single man 
killed or wounded on board. The Bon homme Richard was, dui-ing three 
hours, lashed to the Serapis, and after the battle, which lasted four hours, 
sunk, riddled as a vessel had never been before. The battle taking place 
at one league from Scarborough, it was not possible, under the circum- 
stances above mentioned, to hinder the entrance into that port of the ene- 
my's convoy, which arrived in safety. 

" The Commodore entered the Texel with the remainder of his squadron, 
and his two last prizes, the 3d of October, 1779. The one half of the 
crews, as well of the Bon homme Richard as of the Serapis having been 
killed or wounded, the Commodore addressed himself to their High 
Mightinesses for permission to establish a hospital at the Helder, in order 
to cure his wounded. But the Magistracy of the place being opposed, 
their High Mightinesses assigned for this purpose the fort of the Texel, 
and as the Commodore had the permission to garrison the fort by a 
detachment of his soldiers, he granted a commission of commandant of 
the place, for as long a time as was necessary, to one of his officers. The 
combined fleet having entered Brest, the English, filled with the terror of 
an invasion, with which they perceived themselves menaced, let loose aU 
their animosity against the Commodore. The English ambassador at the 
Hague, by his repeated memorials to the States General, did not cease to 
reclaim peremptorily the restitution of the vessel of war and the frigate ' 
taken by the Commodore, and to demand hkewise that the Scotch Pirate^ 



132 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Paul Jones, should be delivered up to the King his master. This step 
of the ambassador not succeeding, he did all in his power with the magis- 
trates and private citizens of Amsterdam to cause them to lay hands upon 
the pereon of the Commodore, and to deliver him up to him, but in vain ; 
no person had the baseness or the courage to undertake his desire in this 
respect. 

" The English despatched many light squadrons to intercept the Com- 
modore. Two of these squadrons cruised continually in sight of the 
Texel, and of the Ulie, whilst the others were stationed in such a manner 
as to cause the belief that it would be impossible for him to escape. The 
object of the court of France in causing the Commodore to enter the 
Texel was, that he might escort from thence to Brest a numerous fleet, 
loaded with materials for the arsenal of that port, but his siti\ation ren- 
dered this service imj^racticable ; above all, as the minister had not taken 
care to keep the matter secret. The situation of the Commodore engaged 
the attention of all Europe, and profoundly aflected the politics of the bel- 
ligerent powei-s. But this situation became infinitely more critical, when 
the Prince of Orange deprived Mr. Riemersma of the command of the 
Dutch fleet, consisting of thirteen men-of-war, and sent the Vice-Admiral 
Rhyust to succeed him, and to expel the Commodore from the Texel, in 
sight of the British squadrons. This engaged the Court of Versailles to 
send to the ambassador of France at the Hague a commission from his 
most Christian Majesty for the Commodore, which authorized him to hoist 
the French flag, but to this the Commodore would not consent. On his 
ai'rival, he had declared himself an officer of the United States of America ; 
he was not authorized by Congress to accept the offered commission : in fine, 
he conceived it would be dishonorable and disadvantageous, as well for , 
himself as for America, to change his flag, especially under existing circum- 
stances. With the exception of the frigate Alliance, the remainder of the 
squadron under the command of the Commodore belonged to his most 
Christian Majesty, and the French ambassador had, in consequence, the 
right to dispose of them. The American minister, at Paris, addressed an 
order to the Commodore to deliver all his prisoners to the French ambas- 
sador ; and, to obey this order, the Commodore was obliged to deliver also 
the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, because the other vessels could 
not contain the great number of his prisoners. The Commodore continued 
to carry the American flag on board the Alliance, and as soon as the wind 
permitted, the Vice-Admiral, having rendered his stay in the Texel as dis- 
agreeable as possible, obliged him to set sail in this frigate. The Commo- 
dore had the address and the good fortune to escape the vigilance of the 
enemy ; and the English, enraged at this, and also because the States 
General had granted an escort for the fleet which cariied out the naval 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 133 

stores from the Texel to Brest, declared, a short time afterward, war 
against the united low countries. They made use of the stay and the 
conduct of the Commodore at the Texel for the fii-st article of their decla- 
ration. 

" The facts above stated are of public notoriety thi'oughout all Europe, 
and my motive in giving this testimony to America in favor of the Com- 
modore, proceeds from the desire to render justice to his zeal and good 
conduct for the honor and interest of the United States in the affairs 
which have come immediately under my own cognizance. At the Hague, 

March 10th, 1*7 84. 

" E. P. Van Berckel." 



" I, the undei-signed, knowing not only the exact truth of all which is 
above stated, but having been officially present, during nearly three 
months, on board the American squadron in the Road of the Texel, attest 
to it with pleasure, this 11th of March, 1784, at the Hague. 

" M. F. Dumas, 
" Agent of the United States of America." 

The brilliant result of the terrible contest with the Serapis 
filled Em-ope and America with the renown of Commodore 
Jones. The British Government was incensed and the national 
pride wounded at finding one of the finest frigates m the 
English navy captured so near the coast of Great Britain, and 
in the view, by moonlight, of numerous spectators. The 
subjoined comparative statement of the relative force of the two 
ships and their crews will show that the advantage was 
decidedly in favor of the Serapis : 

'■'^ Statement of the Force of the Bon homme Richard on the 2Zd 
September, 1779. 

" Six 18 pounders on the lower gun deck, 

Fourteen 12 " " middle gun deck, 

u g II II u a u 

Two 6 " " quarter " " 

" 6 " " spar, or upper deck, 

One in each gangway. 



134: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Two 6 pounders upon the forecastle. 
380 men and boys. 



^^Force of the Serapis on the same day. 



" Twenty 18 pounders on her lower gun deck, 
" 9 " " upper " " 

Six 6 " " quarter " 

Four 6 " " forecastle, 
305 men, and about 15 lascars." 



The officers and men who so gallantly distinguished them- 
selves in this memorable affair deserve to be immortalized. 
The annexed roll contains the names of the whole of them 
^om an official source, and it is with pleasure that the oppor- 
tunity is embraced of inserting them in a work which is a 
record of the achievements and prowess of their intrepid 
commander. The roll includes also a specification of those who 
were killed and wounded, together with the respective countries 
of which they were natives : — • 



" Roll of the Officers^ Seamen, Marines, and Volunteers, who served on 
hoard the Bon homme Richard, commanded hy Commodore John 
Paul Jones, in her cruize made in 1779. 



NAMES. 


COUNTRY. 


RANK. 




BEMARES. 


John Paul Jones, 


Scotch, 


Commodore, 




Richard Dale, 


Maryland, 


1st Lieut. 




badly wounded. 


Henry Lunt, 


Mass. 


2d do. 






Cutting Lunt, 


Mass. 


3d do. 






Samuel Stacey, 


N. H. 


Master, 






Laurence Brooks, 


do. 


Surgeon, 






Math urin Mease, 


?l«*Ma*s, 


Purser, 




badly wounded. 


Stack, 


French, 


Lt. Col. Marines, 




AT r»rt<-»-n+Tr 


do. 


Lieut, 


do. 








O'KeUy, 


L-ish, 


do. 


do. 




John White, 


American, 


Mate, 







LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 



135 



NAMES. 


COUNTRY. 


KANK. 


REMARKS. 


Thomas Potter, 


American, 


Midshipman, 


wounded. 


Nathaniel Fanning, 


do. 


do. 




Benjamin Stubbs, 


Mass. 


do. 




Reuben Chase, 


do. 


'■ 




Beaumont Groube, 


do. 


Midshipman^ 




Jonah Carvell, 


American, 




kiUed. 


William Daniel, 


do. 






John Mayrant, 


S.C. 


Midshipman, 


wounded. 


Robert Coram, 


N. H. 


do. 




John L. White, 


American, 






Richard Wat, 


do. 






Gilbert Wat, . 


do. 






John Robinson, 


Enghsh, 






John Guimion, 


American, 


Carpenter, 




William Clarke, 


do. 


Sailmaker, 


wounded. 


Jacob True, 


do. 


2d Gunner, 




lehabod Lord, 


Mass. 


Carpenter, 




Daniel Russel, 


do. 


Steward, 




Thomcos Turner, 


Enghsh, 


Boatswain, 


killed. 


Edward Garret, 


do. 


do. 




Thomas Miller, 


do. 


Carpenter, 




William Physic, 


do. 


do. 


kiUed. 


James Connor, ' 


Irish, 


do. 




Robert Steel, 


Enghsh, 


Qr. Master, 


killed. 


Robert Towers, 


do. 


do. 




William Thompson, 


Scotch, 


do. 




John Woulton, 


English, 


do. 




Robert Stevens, 


do. 


Cook, 




Arthur Randall, 


do. 


Gunner, 




Thomas Macarthy, 


L'ish, 


do. 


killed. 


Jonathan Wells, 


American, 


do. 




William Lee, 


English, 


do. 




John Murphy, 


L-ish, 


do. 


kiUed. 


John Pearce, 


Enghsh, 


do. 




Thomas Jones, 


do. 


do. 




Francis Campbell, 


do. 


do. 




Michael Longstaff, 


American, 


Qr. Master, 


killed. 


Henry Gardiner, 


do. 


Gunner, 


wounded. 


Elijah Perkins, 


Enghsh, 


Surg. Mate, 




Hugh Wonton, 


do. 


Sail Maker, 


killed. 


John WiUiams, 


do. 


Qr. Master, 


killed. 



136 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



NAMES. 


COUNTRY. 


RANK. 


REMARKS. 


John Peacock, 


Irish, 


Surg. Mate, 




Stephen Lee, 


American, 


Clerk, 




John Burbank, 


do. 


Master-at-arms, 




Josiah Brewster, 


Mass. 


Ai-morer, 


kiUed. 


WilHam Sturgess, 


Irish, 


do. 




John Thomas, 


American, 


Cook, 


wounded 


John Maden, 


Irish, 


Armorer, 




John Haguet, 


Enghsh, 


do. 




Thomas Da\'is, 


do. 


do. 


kiUed. 


Wilham Roberts, 


do. 


do. 




Thomas Kiiight, 


American, 


Carpenter. 





SEAMEN. 



NAMES. COUNTRY. 

Peter Nolde, Swede, 

Gilbert Crumb, American, 

James Smith, Enghsh, 

Thomas Wythe, or White, do. 

Henry Martin, American, 

Edward Lewis, do. 

John Brown, EngUsh, 

William Fox, do. 

Duncan Taylor, Scotch, 

John M'Kinley, do. 

George Walker,- English, 

Robert Hill, do. 

Lewis Brown, Norway, 

James Evans, Enghsh, 

John Earl, Irish, 

Robert Dougherty, English, 

Richard Huguet, do. 

John Brown, do. 

Wilham Chsdall, American, 

James Nicholson, do. 

John Connor, Irish, 

Richard Taylor, English, 

John Walker, American, 

George Johnston, Norway, 

Alexander Cooper, Enghsh, 



wounded, 
killed. 

wounded. 



kiUed. 

killed. 

wounded. 

killed, 
wounded. 

wounded. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



137 



NAMES. 


COUNTRY. 


REMARKS. 


David Pritcliard, 


English, 




Andrew Ryan, 


do. 




Samuel Mathews, 


Irish, 




Laurence Furlong, , 


do. 


wounded. 


Thomas Forrest, 


English, 




Jas. M'Kinley, or M'Kinsay, 


Providence, 


wounded. 


John M. CofFery, . 


American, 




Thomas Mehany, 


L'ish, 




John Colbraith, 


Enghsh, 




James Riley, 


Irish, 




James Lenn, 


English, 


wounded. 


Joseph Collinson, 


do. 


do. 


Jones Haraham, 


do. 




Joseph Wiera, 


Portugal, 


wounded. 


Antoine Alcantara, 


do. 




Joseph Mare, ^ 


do. 


killed. 


Joachim Joseph, 


do. 


do. 


Vincent Ignace, 


do. 


do. 


James Quint, or Quin, 


New Hampshire, 




John Weaver, 


American, 




David Cross, 


Massachusetts, 




John Turpin, 


American, 




John Carrico, 


do. 




John Burnet, 


do. 


wounded. 


John Thompson, 


do. 




John Frankford, 


do. 




Charles Peterson, 


Swede, 


wounded. 


Daniel Emblon, 


do. 




Peter Biorkman, 


do. 




Benjamin Gartineau, 


do. 




Peter Mohn, 


do. 




Ohver Gustaff, 


do. 




•Elijah Johnstone, 


American, 


\ 


Jacob Hemdo, 


Swiss. 





BOYS. 



Baptist TravaiUier, 
Anthony Jeremiah, 
John Ridway, 



Paris, 
India, 
English, 



killed. 



138 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



NAMES. 


COUNTRY. 


REMARKS. 


James Powert, 


English, 




John Jordan, 


do. 


wounded. 


Jeremiah Crooks, 


do. 


killed. 


James Parry, 


Irish, 




William Garret, 


Enghsh, 




Wilham Listera, 


do. 




Thomas Davis, 


do. 




Peter Richardson, 


do. 




Joseph Steward, 


do. 




Isaac Hobshaw, 


American, 




Samuel Flatcher, 


do. 




Thos. Honnet, or Hammett, 


New Hampshire, 


wounded. 


Stephen Loley, 


American, 


killed. 


John Downs, 


New Hampshire, 




Nicholas Rogers, 


American, 




Aaron Goodwin, 


Massachusetts, 




Andrew Mason, 


American, 


do. 


Nathaniel Kennard, 


do. 




Wilham CuUingwood, 


English, 


wounded. 


Benjamin Bickets, 


New Hampshire, 




James Cunningham, 


American, 




John HoUiday, 


Massachusetts, 


do. 


James M'Michan, 


American, 


do. 


Robert Upham, 


do. 


do. 


Joseph Bartlett, 


New Hampshire, 




William M'Cullough, 


American, 


do. 


John Kilby, 


do. 




William Simpson, 


do. 


do. 


Nicholas Caldwell, 


do. 




Jeremiah Evans, 


do. 




Richard Lawson, 


do. 




Patrick Quin, 


Massachusetts, 




William Earth, 


American, 




Daniel Prior, 


do. 




Joseph Cooper, 


do. 




William Murphy, 


do. 


killed. 


Mark Paul, 


do. 




Manuel Quito, 


Portugal, 




Robert Lyon, 


American, 


wounded, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

ORDINARY SEAMEN. 



139 



NAMES. 


COUNTRY. 


KEMAKKS. 


Laurent Verness, 


Norway, 




Daniel Swain, 


English, 


wounded. 


John Brussen, 


Naples, 




John Jones, 


Enghsh, 




Joseph Burns, 


do. 




John Duffy, 


Irish, 




John Pinkman, 


do. 




William Knox, 


do. 




Abraham Martel, 


English, 




Henry Humphreys, 


do. 




Nathaniel Bailey, 


Massachusetts, 


killed. 


James Mehanny, 


Irish, 




WiUiam Wilkinson, 


Enghsh, 




Elijah Middleton, 


do. 




George Harroway,- 


Scotch, 


do. 


John Jordan, 


Bengal, 


wounded. 


Francis Perkins, 


American, 


killed. 


John Hacket, 


English, 




Antoine Francisque, 


Portugal, 


•wounded. 


Francois Dan-os, 


do. 




Ignace Silveyra, 


do. 




Mathieu Antoine, 


do. 




Joseph Rodrique, 


do. 


killed. 


Antoine Carriero, or 


Corrisque, do. 


do. 


Mathieu Joseph, 


do. 




Jean Ignace, 


do. 




Jean Pracia, 


do. 




Joseph Maurda, 


do. 


do. 


Manuel Vieza, 


do. 




Thomas Clarke, 


Enghsh, 


do. 


James Fogg, 


do. 




Jean Silveyra, 


Fayal, 




Manuel Priera, 


Portugal, 




Jon an Joseph, 


do. 


do. 


Antoine Foustade, 


do. 




Manuel Antoine, 


do. 


do. 


Mathieu Francisque, 


do. 




Joseph Ignace, 


do. 


do. 


Antoine Silvestre, 


do. 


do. 



140 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



Names. 
Joseph Joachim, 
Manuel Castaino, 
Louis Antoine, 
John Minant, 



Country. 
Portugal, 
do. 
do. 
Irish. 



Remarks. 



kiUed. 



George Campbell, 
Joseph Holland, 



SERVANTS. 

Cook, Charles Priestly, 
do. 



Cook." 



The follGwing persons, according to the roll kept by the first 
lieutenant of the Bon homme Richard, belonged to the ship, 
but for some cause not known were not included in the distri- 
bution of the prize money. 



Alexander Antoine, 
Jacques Loria, 
John B, Frerry, 
Lewis Role Tomis, 
Jacques Baterga, 
Joham Gorrica, 
Perry CaiTcau. 



Thomas Wat, 
John Lyons, 
George Trefathen, 
Richard WilHams, 
John M'Intyi-e, 
Hugh Euroney, 
Aaron Smith, 
Richard Hughes, 
George Johnson, 
WiUiam Hamilton. 



Roll of the Officers and Crew of the Frigate Alliance, Captain Peter 
LandaiSf October Sd, 1*779. 



Peter Landais, . 
James Degges, . 
John Buckley, . 
James Linds, . 
John Lachar, . 
Arnold Winship, 
John Swain, ' 
Arthur Robinson, 



Captain. 

1st Lieutenant. 

2d Lieutenant. 

3d Lieutenant. 

Master. 

Surgeon. 



Life of john paul jones 



141 



Names. 
John Patten, 
Thomas White, 
Nathaniel Wateon, 
Alexander Moore, 
James Logham, 
Freight Arnold, 
Park, 

Thomas Ehlenwood, 
James Warren, 
Thomas Ilinsdale, 
Thomas Fitzgerald, 
Lewis Larchard, 
Isaac Carr, 
James Bragg, . 
John Green, 
James Peter, . 
John Orr, 

Chauncey Wheeler, 
Alexander Darling, 
Thomas Taylor, 
John Epet, 
Joseph Frederick, 
Robert Embleton, 
Jacob Nuttar, . 
George Fenwick, 



Rank. 



Captain of Marines. 
1st Lieutenant. 
2d Lieutenant. 
2d Mate. 
3d Mate. 
4th Mate. 
Master Sail-Maker. 
Master Carpenter. 
Carpenter's Mate. 
Gunner. 
2d Mate. 
3d Mate. 
Boatswain. 
2d Mate. 
3d Mate. 
4th Mate. 
"^ Quarter Master. 

do. 

do. 



James Buright, 
James Haslam, 
George Allen, 
Joseph Plumer, 
John Carebis, ' 
James Richardson, 
Thomas Luce, 
James Rody, 
John Pall, 
William Shackford, 
Gardner Hammond, 
Charles Hisbert, 
James Chester, 



'George Cock, 
John Doyle, 
John Wethabe, 
John Wire, 
John Sadler,. 
Evan Evans, 
John Dickson, 
Thomas Chase, 
John MoiTow, 
James Forrester, 
Samuel Piatt, 
Edward Fhnn, 
Thomas Duane, 



142 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



Samuel Dale, 
John M'Lean, 
John Graves, 
Richard Hughes, 
John Downing, 
John Thomas, 
John Shalf, 
Joseph Poor, 
Samuel Nach, 
John Collington, 
John Davis, 
Kirtland Griffing, 
Henry Nalander, 
John Diraud, 
James "Whitney, 
Samuel Gray, 
John Fraker, 
Patrick Martin, 
Alexander Augist, 
Jacob Wendel, 
Prince Pattison, 
Jacob Wendel, Jr. 
Abvaham Bradley, 
Robert Calder, 
Lewis Russel, 
Benjamin Carr, 
John Kelly, 
Michael Lyons, 
Gibman Wails, 
Zachariah Rodgere, 
Ebenezer Brown, 
Nathan Doiler, 
William Laper, 
Joseph Still, 
Hugh Fleming, 
Thomas Malonj% 
Daniel Moncor, 
Thomas Bayley, 
John Smith, 
William Scott, 
William Neale^ 



Jacob Arnold, 
John Neale, 
John Fitzgerald, 
Peter Lunt, 
Joseph Choat, 
Jeremiah Perry, 
Stephen Turner, 
Daniel Hancock, 
Robert Smith, 
Richard Woodron, 
John Simpson, 
Charles Brown, 
John Jones, 
Peter Greenwood, 
Juba Blodgett, 
Zadock Bell, 
David L'on, 
John M'Gaham, 
William Barrett, 
Thomas Bolton, 
John Sony, 
Owen Hewitt, 
Thomas Jones, 
Owen Rues, 
Samuel Gethel, 
Walter Dumphy, 
Juba Bourne, 
Henry Callaghan, 
Elisha Ozal, 
Joseph Scudman, 
Moses Stocking, 
Richard Mowbray, 
John Watkins, 
John Cochran, 
John Leggins, 
Archibald Martin, 
James Fearam, 
John Blean, 
Robert Hamilton, 
John Kelly, 
John Lake, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES 



143 



Arthur Bennett, 
Joseph Shillaber, 
Richard Pricand, 
Pheones Baker, 
David Jackson, 
Daniel Knight, 
James Brown, 
Ebenezer Edwards, 
Ozere Hone, 
Joseph Batter, 
Thomas Walsh, 
James Bounds, 
John Kennedy, 
John Mayne, 
George Skipper, 
Peter Lyons, 
John Kirks, 
Henry Wrightington, 
Benjamin Youlin, 
Nathaniel Warner, 
Henry Wilson, 
Moses Hilton, 
John Adams, 
Abraham Simmonds, 
Daniel Nicholson, 
David Hoye, 
John Dalson, 
Zachariah Bassett, 
Robert Ellis, 



William Taylor, 
Alexander Galoway, 
James Heath, 
Andrew Witham, 
Thomas Andrews, 
John Ambrose, 
Barry Clarke, 
Samuel Wall, 
Samuel Rodgers, 
Richard Parish, 
Benjamin Taylor, 
WiUiam M'Cassett, 
Thomas Cox, 
John Hannibal, 
Asher Cranded, 
Charles Ross, 
Samuel Lambert, 
Richard Lunt, 
William Patton, 
William Brown, 
Stephen Rodgers, 
Luther Breck, 
Ephraim Clark, 
Edward Jarvis, 
Samuel CaiToU, 
Joseph Strieker, 
John Diamond, 
Paul Noyes, 
Alexander Libby. 



SUPERNUMKBARIES. 



Nathan Blodgett, 
Samuel Guild, . 
James Daly, 
John Holeky, . 
Shipman Bangs, 
Fitz Pool, 
Ebenezer Pild, . 
Chase Rodgers, 
Benjamin Bowers, 



Secretary. 
Surgeon's Mate. 

do. 

do. 
Clerk, 
do. 
Armourer. 



IM 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



Peter Adams, . 


Cook, 


Michael Baptist, 


do. 


John Farman, . 


1st Sergeant. 


Alexander Ogden, 


2d Sergeant. 


Matthew Ingram, 


Volunteer. 


John Spencer, . 


do. 



The following letters present so interesting a view of 
the motives and feelings of Com. Jones both in adverse 
and prosperous circumstances, and of the opinions entertained 
by others of his conduct and bravery in the matter referred 
to, that, in justice to his memory, they are now made public : 

''Passy, October IV, 1779. 
"James Lovell, Esq. 
" Sir, 
" Enclosed I send you a copy of, the instructions I gave to Com. Jones, 
when it was intended to send with him some transports and troops to 
make descents in England. Had not the scheme been altered by the 
more general one of a grand invasion, I know he would have endeavored to 
put some inconsiderable towns to a high ransom or burnt them. He 
sailed without the troo]3S, but he nevertheless would have attempted Leith, 
and went into the Firth of Edinburg with that intention, but a sudden 
hard gale of wind forced him out again. The late provocations, by the 
burning of Fairfield and other towns, added to the preceding, have at 
length demolished all my moderation ; and were such another expedition 
to be concerted, I think so much of that disposition would not appear in 
the instructions. 



"Instructions to the '"Hon. John Paul Joj^es, Esq. commander of the 
American Squadron, in the service of the United States, now in the 
port of L'Orient. 

" 1. His Majesty having been pleased to grant some troops for a 
particular expedition, proposed to annoy our common enemy, in which the 
sea force under your command might have an opportunity of distinguishing 
itself, you are to receive on board your ships-of-war, and the other vessels 
destined for that purpose, the troops that shall present themselves to you, 
aSbrd them such accommodations as shall be most proper for preserving 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 145 

their health, and convey them to such port or place as their commander 
shall desire to land them at. 

" 2. ^\T3en the troops are landed, you are to aid by all means in your 
power their operations, as they will be instructed in like manner to aid 
and support those you may make with your ships, that so by this concur- 
rence and union of your different forces, all that such a compounded 
strength is capable of, may be effected. 

" 3. You are, during the expedition, never to depart from the troops, so 
as not to be able to protect them, or to secure their retreat in case of a 
repulse ; and, in all events, you are to endeavor their complete re-embark- 
ation on board the ships and transports under your command when the 
expedition shall be ended. 

" 4. You are to bring to France all the English seamen you may 
happen to take prisonei-s, in order to complete the good work you already 
have made such progi'ess in, of delivering by an exchange the rest of our 
countrymen now languishing in the gaols of Great Britain. 

"5. As many of your ofEcere and people have lately escaped from 
Enghsh prisons, either in Europe or America, you are to be particularly 
attentive to then- conduct towards the prisoner which the fortune of Avar 
may throw into your hands, lest the resentment of the more than bar- 
barous usage by the Enghsh in many places towards the Americans, 
should occasion a retahation and imitation of what ought rather to be 
detested and avoided for the sake of himianity and for the honor of 
our country. 

" 6. In the same view, although the English have wantonly burnt 
many defenceless towns in America, you are not to follow this example, 
unless when a reasonable ransom is refused, in which case your own 
generous feeling-s as well as this instruction, will induce you to give timelv 
notice of your intention, that sick and ancient pei^sons, Avomen, and 
children may be firet removed. 

"Given at Passy, this 28th day of April, 1779. 

"B. Franklin, 
" Minister Plenipotentiary from the United 
States at the Com-t of France." 



^^ Amsterdam, October 25, 1779. 
" The Hon. Commodore Jones. 
" Dear Sir, 

" I am with your faA'or of the 20th. The following hues are an 
abstract of a letter fi'om the gi-eat man at the Hague. 

10 



146 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" ' I am extremely glad to find that the affair which caused me so mucli 
uneasiness, has not been followed by any disagreeable circvmistances. I 
rely confidently on the circumspection of Mr. Jones, and I am well 
persuaded that he will not give me occasion for the slightest complaint, 
and what is equally as important, is that he experiences here the most 
favorable treatment. The States of Holland have unanimously adopted 
the advice of the Admiralty, which is in perfect conformity with that of 
the particular College of Amsterdam, of which you have been informed. 
In all probability the resolution of the province will be confirmed on 
Monday by that of the States General, and the answer highly satisfactory 
for the Congress transmitted to Mr. Yorke. I learn with great pleasure 
that Mr. Jones has received ordei-s Avhich are agreeable to him, relative to 
Capt. Landais.' " 

" They want here your answer respecting the five deserters, who are 
seized, and your promise to pardon them when you will have them in 
your power. 

" After having read with attention the copy of yoiu* letter, dear sir, to 
his excellency Dr. Franklin, of the 3d of October, intended for M, de 
Capelle, I think it highly imjH-oper to be sent to the gentleman so as it is 
presently, and that he must not be acquainted with your complaints 
against M. de Chaumont. I think I must tell you also, dear sir, that I 
am not in any connection with this gentleman respecting America, and 
that nobody has the secret of my negotiations here, besides two great men, 
with whom this gentleman is not intimate. He is a very good republican, 
but by his circumstances he cannot do any good towards an alliance 
between the two republics. He is a well thinking private, but that is all ; 
being excluded from any share of government in his country. This 
between us. I am, <fec., 

" Dumas. 
^' P. S. The great man desires to know when you think to be ready 
to sail." 

" On board the Serapis at the Texel, October 26th, 1779. 
" M. Le Ray De Chaumont, Jun. : 

" You will pardon, my dear friend, my not having written to you earlier 
since my arrival here ; my silence has not, I assure you, been the eflfect of 
the httle misunderstanding which unhappily took place between your father 
and myself when he imposed upon me a ' Concordaf at Groaix, which I 
thought, and think still, I dishonored my hand by signing. The ticklish 
and imcertain situation of the politics of this countr}'^ as affecting the flag 
of America, has hitherto so much occupied my attention, that I have found 
little leism-e to write. My fears in that respect being now entirely removed 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 147 

by an unanimous resolution of the States General, that is far more favorable 
to our cause than I had reason to expect, — I employ this breathing space 
with great pleasure to assure you that my regard and affection for all the 
family of de Chaumont is far from diminished : I earnestly wish your father 
to give to obhvion the past misintelligence. I am pei-suaded that he will 
now see the impropriety of communicating too early the intended enter- 
prises and operations of a partisan, and no longer blame me for a\'oiding 
free convei-sations on such subjects. It is not, indeed, my characteristic to 
be free of words. My heart, however, is no stranger to the sentiments and 
duties of friendship, though my situation as a servant of the public leaves 
me without the power of obliging my private friends, except in the ])leasure 
which I am persuaded they take in hearing of my success, when they have 
furnished me with the means. 

" It affords me pleasure to assure you that I cannot too much praise the 
gallant beha\ior of the young volunteer Baptiste Travallier whom you sent 
to L'Orient. In the engagement a sailor called for a wad in loading one of 
the great guns ; he furnished him immediately by substituting his coat, 
which he then wore, and soon afterward, when the Bon homme Richard 
was on fire, he instantly took off his shirt, and dipped it in water and 
applied it with great dexterity to smother the flames. 

" Present my best respects to Madame de Chaumont and to your sisters. 
I beseech them and you to love me, and that your father will forgive 
my past fault, which was the effect only of my beheving that he had less 
confidence in me than he had taught me to expect, and had always said 
I had merited. 

" I am, affectionately and truly, etc." 

'• I certify that the original, of which the preceding is a copy, was duly 

received by me. 

"Le Ray DE Chaumont. 

''New York, Dec. 1824." 

•' On hoard the Serapis at the Texel, Oct. 26th, 1779. 
"Edward Bancroft, Esq. 
"My Dear Friend, 

" Your warm and aftectionate letter of the 14th is doubly welcome ; and 
although it overrates and praises my services beyond their real merits, yet 
the commendation of superior understanding, and from the man wliom I 
entirely love and esteem, cannot but afford me the truest pleasure. 

" M. de Chaumont has written me a very affectionate letter ; but then 
he had written me many equally affectionate letters, even from the first of 
our acquaintance, offering me always the most disinterested services, until 



148 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

that of the 14th of June, whereof I enclose a copy. He has not yet offered 
me an apology respecting the dishonorable ' Concordat ' which he after- 
wards imposed upon me at Groaix. I love him, however, notwithstanding; 
and his excellency tells me that M. de Chaumont has still ' a great regard 
for me.' That assurance revives all my former friendship, and "vvill con- 
firm it, if you think the answer which I have here inclosed is proper, and 
that the dehvery of it will put a final end on his part to our misunder- 
standing. At any rate, I pray )'ou to present my wai-mest respects to the 
whole family, for whom I shall ever retain a grateful affection. 

" I am happy, my dear sir, iii being able to assure you that, in spite of 
Sir Joseph,* the flag of freedom is highly respected indeed at the Texel. I 
had yesterday the honor to receive authority, by an unanimous resolution 
of the States, and by an order of the Prince of Orange, to land as many 
prisoners as I please, to place sentinels to guard them in the fort on the 
Texel, to haul up the drawbridge of that fort, and to take them away 
again from thence whenever I think proper, and dispose of them after- 
wards as though they had never been landed. Huzza, America ! 

" Captain Landais has been ashore for some days past, but I believe is 
not yet set out from the Helder. I imderstand that he has been and is 
trying to excite the compassion of the people, and in that mode to obtain 
certificates in his favor. It is natm'al also to conclude that the late captain 
of the Serapis will continue to stretch a point, and save his own credit if 
he can, by speaking of damage done to him byythe Alliance. Let them 
do their utmost. I shall forward the necessary proof. 

" Yours, &c." 

" On board the Bon homme RicharcVs 'prize, the shij) of luar Seraj)is 
* of 44 ffuns, at the Texel, Oct. 28fh, 1779. 

" To Madam Le Ray de Chaumont. 

" I can no longer, my dear madam, refrain from writing to you, although 
I have not been honored with a line fi'om you since my letter from -L'Orient, 
dated 13th June. 

" I congratulate you on my late success, because I know it affords you 
pleasure ; and knowing this is, I assure you, a very singular addition to 
my satisfaction. What has given me more pain, however, than words can 
express, has been a want of confidence on the part of M. de Chaumont 
after he had honored me wil^li strong proof of his friendship and good 
opinion. The ' concordat ' which, to my great surprise, he imposed upon 
me in the moment of my departure from L'Orient, was the most humiliat- 
ing paper that ever a friend forced upon the commander of a squadron, 

* Sir Joseph Yorke, English minister at the Hague. 



I-IFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 149 

and even my success has not wiped off the dishonor of my having signed 
it! 

" I am wilhng to beheve that my friend did not see the concordat in the 
same hght, and that the idea was not originally his own, but only by him 
adopted from the misrepresentations of persons who were constantly buzz- 
ing in his ear, and showing an infinity of theory which they have not 
since been quite so happy in reducing to practice. I say, as I verily believe, 
that the idea was not originally his own; and as I love him still with 
undiminished and grateful affection, I earnestly wish him to forgive the 
complaints which I have made, and to continue towards me his first 
warmth of friendship and confidence. 

"My departure from hence is extremely uncertain; my destination, too, 
is better known to Dr. F. than myself at present. Our ships are now in a 
severe storm. I mention this only to show that I can, in no situation, for- 
get how much I owe to the polite attentions and friendship of the amiable 
family at Passy, which I beseech you to believe I shall ever remember 
with sentiments of the most lively esteem and affection, being very truly, 

" Your obhged friend, (fee." 

" I certify that the original of the foregoing letter was duly received by 
my mother. 

" Le Eay de Chaumoxt. 
"aYe?<; York, December, 1824." 

" On board the Bon liomme RicharcVs 'prize, the ship of ivar Serapis, ) 

at the Texel, October 2Sth, Hid. ) 
" The Marquis De Lafayette, Paris. 

"A thousand thanks to my loved and noble fi'iend for the very kind and 
atfectionate letter that he did me the honor to wi'ite me from the Havre, 
which gTeatly rewards me for the dangers which I have lately overcome. 
Words are wanting to express hoAv much I esteem, how highly I value, 
and how much I wish to merit the friendship and affection of the American 
General Marquis De Lafayette. 

"I am very much concerned and ashamed to understand that my 
' numbers,' that you received from L'Orient, were so ill composed. It is 
pi'oof that their ladyships the Muses, however condescending they may be 
on the banks of the Helicon, will not dispense their favours to the sons of 
Neptune, especially while they are 

By bounding billows and rude winds that blow. 
Alternate tossed in air, or sunk to sands below. 

" Li truth, my dear General, I am almost as sorry that you have not 



150 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

been able to understand my meaning as if I had been addressing myself 
to — a fair lady I The enclosed key will, however, I hope unlock the past 
difficulty, and enable you fully to see what I so much wish you to under- 
stand. 

" I will send you very soon a little work that shall be better finished 
than that from L'Orient ; and in the mean time a machine, to which the 
present key is adapted, is fonvarded through the hands of Dr. Bancroft, 
in case you should have spoiled or thrown away the one formerly sent. 

" The late brutahties of the Britons in America fills me with horror and 
indignation. They forget that they are men ; and I beheve that nothing 
will bring them to their senses but the most exemplary retaliation. Lan- 
dais is ordered to Paris to answer for his past conduct. 

" I wish to answer very particularly the three points which you have 
propounded. 1st. I never meant to ask a reward for my semces, either 
from France or America : consequently the approbation of the Court and 
of the Congress is all the gratification I can wish for. 2dly. I yet intend 
to undertake whatever the iitmost exeilion of my abilities will reach in 
support of the common cause, as far as any force that may in future be 
entrusted to my direction may enable me to succeed ; I hope, however, my 
future force will be better composed tlian when I sailed from L'Orient. I 
must sail from the Texel in course of next month, because ships cannot 
afterward remain here in this I'oad. My destination or route fi'om hence I 
yet know not ; but I need not tell you that I wish to see your face ! 
8dly. It is now in vain to say what might have been done two years ago, 
with the force you mention ; but I belie\e, if properly supported by sea, 
such a force might yet perform very essential service. There is no guard- 
ing, you know, against storms ; and one would wish either to avoid or to 
outsail a superior sea force. As I believe you know my Avay of thinking 
on such subjects, I shall offer you no argument. I know you want no 
prompter. 

"I beg Captain Ricofs pardon for having said in the extract of my 
journal that, in the engagement with the Serapis, he prevented my officers 
and men in the pilot boat from coming to my assistance. I now find that 
this did not happen till the pilot boat had returned to the Vengeance, 
about the middle of the action, without having boarded the Bon homme 
Richard according to Captain Ricot's orders. I was a little vexed, too, 
that Captain Ricot did not come on board the Bon homme Richard the 
next day, to offer me his assistance, Avhon I was in the greatest imaginable 
distress, and the signal was flying. But these are trifles — and I am much 
more obliged to him for not firing, than to Landais for killing my men 
and sinking my ship. Upon the whole Captain Ricot has acted as became 
a sensible and prudent officer, and is a man with whom I wish to be fm- 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 151 

ther connected. At Leith he was destined to cover the descent, and I am 
fully convinced that he would have executed it with great honor to him- 
self, had not the gale of wind in the critical moment rendered the design 
impracticable. I shall correct the error in my letter to the minister, and 
do his character justice. I have a very good opinion of the abilities of 
Captain Cottineau, and I wish to be concerned with them both in future 
with better ships. But I must speak plainly my opinion, since you desire 
it. I do not think that the desire of glory was the uppermost sentiment 
in the breast of any captain under my command, at the time we left 
L'Orient. 

" I shall ever be proud to merit the just title of, my dear marquis, 

" Your very affectionate and faithful friend and servant, &c. 

" I remember to have received such a letter. 

" Lafayette. 
''February lOih, 1825." 

" Tcxcl, on board the Serajns, November 5, IVZO. 
" INI. Dumas, <fec. tfec. &c. 

" I ha\e, my dear Sir, your two esteemed favors of the 3d. I am 
much obliged to M. de Neufville for his good intentions ; but duty must 
take the precedence of pleiisure, and therefore I have no desire at present 
to revisit either Amsterdam or even the Hague. I must wait a more 
favorable opportunity to kiss the hands of the fair. 

" As I had the honor to write you fully last night, I have now very 
little to add respecting my situation, only that I have resolved to send up 
the purser of the Alliance immediately to Amsterdam, in order to hasten 
the sending down a few ai'ticles that are really wanted, and that can be 
got without any loss of time, and before we get the mast secured. If the 
weather permits, what remains to be done, may be effected within four or 
five days, and then I shall not remain idle here. In the mean time I 
wish the Great Man would order tlie two French cutters here to attend 
our motion. I believe it will not be difficidt to persuade them. 

" With respect to the powers of Capt. Pearson, I am convinced that he 
has received no authority from Sir Joseph Yorke. His powers, however, 
must be as ample as mine ; and I should not, I assure you, have made 
such a convention with him, if Captain Remirsma, on the part of the 
States General, had not given me verbally, free liberty to land the 
wounded prisoners, and to guard them in the fort on the Texel by my 
soldiers with drawn swords, and with the bridges hauled up at our 
pleasure, and with free liberty to embark them again, and dispose of 



152 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

them as though they had not been landed in Holland. You see therefore 
that my convention with Capt. Pearson does not bind me to continue the 
prisoners ashore; I can embark them again whenever I please, and it 
was only intended on my part as a security against elopement. They 
have hitherto been guarded Avith the drawbridges hauled up or let down 
at the sovereign will and pleasure of the ' Governor General.' If my 
wishes succeed, it wall afford America matter of exultation ; and, at the 
worst, w^e can only lose eighteen or nineteen dangerously wounded 
prisoners which, I think, will be made up by our having had possession 
of a fort on the Texel. I shall only add that my meaning has been good, 
and that I thought I might rely on the guaranty that I had on the part of 
the States General while we could keep the jDrisoners fi-om making their 
esca^^e from the fort. 

" I am with respect and attachment, yom's, &c." 



'■'■Alliance^ at sea, December 27, 1779. 
" M. Dumas, 

" I am here, my philosopher with a good wind at east, and under my 
best American colors ; so far you have your wish. What may be the 
event of this critical moment I knoAV not. I am not, however, without 
good hopes. Through the ignorance or drunkenness of the old pilot, 
the Alliance was last night got foul of a Dutch merchant ship, and, I 
beheve, the Dutchman cut our cable. We lost the best bower anchor, 
and the ship was brought up with the sheet anchor so near the shore, 
that this morning I have been obliged to cut the cable in oi'der to get 
clear of the shore, and that I might not lose this opj)ortunity of escaping 
from purgatory. 

" I wish Mr. Hoogland would have the sheet and best bower anchore 
taken up, that they may be sent to France or sold, as M. De Neufville 
may find most expedient. The pilot knows where the anchors lay, and 
unless he assists willingly in taking them up, he ought not in my opinion 
to be paid for his services on board her. 

" Adieu, my dear friend ; present my best respects to your fireside, and 
to the good patriot, &c. ; and believe me to be always affectionately, &c." 

The consternation and uproar produced in Great Britain, and 
particularly on the coasts of that island and of Ireland, hj the 
rumors of this unparalleled exploit, were amazing. It natui'ally 
associated itself in the public mind with the descent upon 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 153 

Whitehaven and the capture of the Drake. Orders were 
expedited in every direction for ships-of-war to put to sea in 
quest of Jones, with instructions to take him at all hazards. 
The amiexed extracts from newspapers of that day, will 
demonstrate what aggravating annoyance a single intelligent, 
brave, and skilful officer may give to a very large j)ortion of the 
subjects of a great empire :— 

^^London, September 27, 1779. 

"A letter from Sunderland, dated 20th September, says, that an express 
arrived there on the 18th from Aymoiith with information that Paul Jones 
Avas off there, with five sail of ships-of-war, and 2000 troops on board ; 
that, on the 19th, they appeared off Sunderland, and came up within two 
miles, which put the inhabitants into great confusion, as they expected 
them to land every hour, or destroy the ships in the harbor." 

Extract of a letter from Stocld:on, September 21st. 

" The undermentioned ships have appeared oft' this place under the 
command of Paul Jones ; we have sent the bearers to inform all light 
colliers they may meet with to take harbor as soon as possible, and there 
to remain till they receive advice of their being off the coast. 

" On Saturday noon two gentlemen of the corporation of Hull arrived 
express at the Admiralty with the alai-ming account that the celebrated 
American Corsair Paul Jones had entered the River Humber on Thursday 
last, and chased a vessel to within a mUe of the pier, where he sunk, 
burned, and destroyed 16 sail of valuable vessels, which threw the whole 
town and neighborhood into the utmost constei'nation. He had taken 9 
or 10 colhers and other vessels a day or two before he appeared at Hull. 
Che following is the force of Jones's squadron. 

" A Boston built frigate with 40 guns upon one deck (Jones's ship). 
A French ship (an old Indiaman), of 44 guns. 
Two American frigates of 32 guns each, new. 
One 20 gim " 

Two brigantines of 18 guns each. 
And two small tenders. 

" On Saturday night another express arrived at the Admiralty from 
Hull with the further disagi-eeable intelhgence, that Paul Jones's squadj-on, 



154 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

after having done more mischief in the shipping on Friday, had fell in 
with the Baltic fleet, and had taken their convoy the Serapis man-of-war 
of 44 guns, Captain Pearson, and the armed ship the Countess of Scar- 
borough, Captain Piercy, of 24 guns. This action was seen by thousands 
of spectators. The other ships of Jones's squadron were making havoc 
among the fleet, most of which, however, had taken shelter near 
Flamborough and the Head. 

" From four captured Americans it was discovered that it was Jones's 
plan to alarm the coasts of Wales, Ireland, the western parts of Scotland, 
and the North Channel. Jones took se^'eral prizes on the coast of Ireland, 
(particularly two armed transports with stores for New York,) in the 
North sea, and near the Firth of Forth, and had it in his power to have 
burnt Leith, but his orders are only to burn shipping. His squadron is 
now but weakly manned, owing to the great number of prizes he has 
taken, and it therefore may Ml an easy conquest to the 16 sail of men-of- 
war who have orders to go after him. 

" The Serapis man-of-war lost her main-mast, bowsprit, and mizen top- 
mast before she struck, and the Countess of Scarborough made an 
exceeding good defence against one of the 32 gun frigates. The enemy's 
44 gun ship was not in the action, and the Serapis struck to Jones's ship 
and the other 32 gun frigate. 

"Expresses also arrived on Saturday from Sunderland, stating that 
Paul Jones had taken 16 sail more of colliers. In consequence of the 
capture of so many colliers and the interruption of the trade, the price of 
coals will be enormous. Instead of having the dominion of the sea, 
it is now evident that we are not able to defend our own coast from 
depredations. 

" The master of a sloop from Harwich, who arrived yesterday, saw on 
Saturday last, no less than eleven sail of men-of-war going in search of 
Pai;l Jones, and among them was the Edgar of 74 guns. 

" By the examination of the four men belonging to one of Paul Jones's 
squadron, it appears that Jones's orders were not to burn any houses or 
towns. What an example of honor and greatness does America thus 
show to us ! While our troops are running about from town to town on 
their coast, and burning everything with a wanton, wicked barbarity. Dr. 
Franklin gives no orders to retaliate, — he is above it ; and there was a 
time when an English minister was above it ; when an English minister 
would have disdained to make war in so villainous a mode. It is a 
disgrace to the nation. Paul Jones could have burned Leith the other 
dav with the greatest ease, and another little town near it. 

" Yesterday Lord Sandwich informed some Russian merchants who waited 
on him, that twenty of his Majesty's ships were sent in quest of Paul Jones. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 155 

September 28. — Capt. Peai-son who commanded the Serapis of 44 guns 
which was taken by Paul Jones, was appointed to the Endymion of 44 
guns, lately launched at Limehouse and fitting out there for sea, and was 
coming from off his station in the North sea to go on board of her. 



'■'■Philadelphia^ January 19<A, lYSO. 

Extract of a letter from L' Orient, October 20 th, 1119. 

" The brave Captain Jones, on the 23d of last month, attacked the 
Baltic fleet of 60 sail, under convoy of the Serajjis of 44 guns, and the 
Scarborough of 20.'' 

From V Orient, dated October 22c?. 

" The gallant behavior of Captain Paul Jones, at present engages the 
whole attention here. In my last I informed you that he had the com- 
mand of a small squadron then on a cruize. He sailed round Ireland and 
Scotland, spreading terror and devastation in every part. He took, burnt, 
and sunk a great number of vessels, among them a ship bound to Quebec 
extremely rich. 

" On the 23d of September in the evening, he fell in with the Baltic 
fleet under convoy of the Serapis 44 guns, and the Countess of Scarborougli 
20 guns. The Pallas, after an engagement of about an hour, took the 
latter, and Jones in the poor Richard attacked the former, — they fought 
for three hours and a half, with inconceivable rage ; two hours of which 
time they were fast to each other, and almost all the time one or the 
other was on fire. The Sei'apis is a fine new ship, sheathed with copper, 
on an entire new construction, and thought to be the fastest sailing vessel 
in Europe ; she has two entire batteries, the lower of which is 18 
poundei-s, so that she may be said to be almost double the force of the 
Poor Richard." 

Extract of another letter from the same place. ■ 

" The Poor Richard, with all the assistance afforded from the other 
ships after the action, could not be kept above water, and Jones had the 
mortification to see her go down. He has made a good exchange, but he 
wished to have got the Poor Richard into port, shattered as she was, as a 
picture of curiosity and distress." 

On the return of the squadron to the Texel, CaiDtain Landais 



156 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

propagated a report that he, and not Commodore Jones, had 
caused the Serapis to smTender. To give plausibility to the 
story, he referred to his having raked the British frigate, which, 
in part, was true ; but it was equally true that he fired more 
repeatedly, and with more fatal effect into the Bon homme 
Eichard ; nor did he, at any period of the action, lay the Serapis 
along side, as he was directed, or take such a position as would 
have caused the enemy to strike his flag at an earlier moment. 
Had Landais closed with the Serapis, as Commodore Jones did, 
she must have almost immediately yielded, and the lives of 
many valuable men would have been spared. His omission to 
embrace the chance offered by the Cornmodore to secure or 
destroy the merchantmen of the convoy was altogether impar- 
donable, ^^The vain boasting of Captain Landais, and his 
misconduct during the battle as well as previously thereto, 
induced Jones to recm- to the testimony of the officers of his 
squadron, -who had been eyewitnesses of Landais's behavior, 
and their evidence was collected, in coincidence with the advice 
of Dr, Franldin, and incorporated in the annexed documents, 
the tenor of which will remove every scruple of doubt as to tlie 
disobedient and reprehensible procedure of the captain of the 
Alliance, 

" Charges and Proofs respecting the Conduct of Peter Landais. 

" We, the officers, &c. of the American squadron now at the Texel, this 
30th clay of October, 1779, do attest and declare, upon our words of honor 
as gentlemen, that all the following articles, which we subscribe, respecting 
the conduct of Peter Landais, Captain of the frigate Alliance, are really 
and truly matters of fact. In witness whereof we hereunto sign oin* names 
and qualities ; and will, at any time hereafter, be ready to jJi'ove the same 
upon oath if required, 

" 1. The Captain of the Alliance did not take the steps in his power to 
prevent his ship from getting foul of the Bon homme Richard, in the Bay 
of Biscay ; for instead of putting his helm a-weather, and bearing up to 
make way for his commanding officer, which was his duty, he left the 
deck to load his pistols. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 157 

" 2. When in chase of a ship, supposed an English East Indiaman, on 

the day of August, 1V99, Captain Landais did not do his utmost to 

overtake that ship, which he might easily have done before night, hut put 
his helm a-weathei', and bore away several times in the day, after the 
Alliance had gained the wake of the chase, and was overtaking hei* very 
fast. 

" 3. Captain Landais behaved with disrespect and impertinence towards 
the commander-in-chief of the s<:[uadron, on frequent occasions. 

" 4. He disobeyed his signals. 

" 5. He very seldom answered any of them. 

" 6. He expressed his fears and apprehensions of being taken on the 
coast of Ireland, and insisted on leaving sight of it immediately, when we 
had cruized there only two days. 

" 7. His separation from the squadron the first time, must have hap- 
pened either through ignorance or design ; because though he distinctly 
saw the signal for the course before night, yet he altered it, first two, and 
then four points of the compass, before morning. 

" 8. His separation from the squadron the second time, must also have 
happened through ignorance or design ; because the wind being at N.W., 
and the other ships, to his knowledr/e, lying to, and being astern of the 
Alliance, what less than separation could be the consequence of his 
obstinacy in ordering the weather main-brace to be hauled in, and the 
ship to be steered S.W., and S.W. by S., in the trough of the sea, which 
was done from ten at night till morning; and he would not then permit 
the ship to be tacked, in order to' regain the squadron, as was proposed to 
him by the officere. 

" 9. On the morning of the 23d September, when the Bon homme 
Richard, after being otf the Spurn, came in sight of the Alliance and 
Pallas, off Flamborough Head, Captain Landais distinctly told Captain 
Cottineau, that if it was, as it appeared, a fifty gun ship, they must run 
away ; although he must have been sure that the Pallas, from her heavy 
sailing^ must have fallen a sacrifice. 

" 10. In the afternoon of the same day. Captain Landais paid no 
attention to signals, particularly the signal of preparation, and for the fine ; 
which was made with great care, and very distinctly, on board the Bon 
homme Richard. 

"11. Although the Alliance was a long way ahead of the Bon homme - 
Richard, when bearing down on the Baltic fleet, yet Captain Landais lay 
out of gunshot to windward, imtil the Bon homme Richard had passed 
by and closely engaged the Serapis, and then, instead of coming to close 
action with the Countess of Scarborough, the Alliance fired at very long 
shot. 



158 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" 12. lie continued to windward, and, a considerable time after the 
action bet^^an, fell astern and spoke the Pallas, leaving the Countess of 
Scarborough in the wake of the ships engaged, and at free liberty to rake 
the Bon homme Richard. 

"13. After the Bon homme Richard and Serapis were made fast along 
side of each otlier (which was not done till an hour after the engagement 
began). Captain Landais, out of nuisket shot, raked the Bon homme 
Richard with crossbar and grape shot, &c., which killed a number of men, 
dismounted sundry guns, put out the side hghts, and silenced all the 12 
pounders. 

" 14. The Alliance then ran down towards the Pallas and Scarborough, 
that were at the time engaged at a considerable distance to leeward of the 
Bon homme Richard and Serapis, and Captain Landais hovered about 
there out of gunshot, and without firing, till some time after the Countess 
of Scarborough had struck ; and then bore down under her topsails, and 
spoke, first the prize, and then the Pallas, asking a number of questions. 

" 15. At last Captain Landais made sail under his topsails, to work up 
to windward, but made tacks before he (being within the range of grape- 
shot, and, at the longest, tln-ee (partei-s of an hour before the Serapis 
struck) fired a second broadside into the Bon homme Richard's larboard 
quarter, the latter part whereof was fired when the Alliance was not more 
than three points al)aft the Bon homme Richard's beam, although many 
tongues had cried from the Bon homme Richard that Captain Landais 
was firing into the wrong ship, and prayed him to lay the enemy 
alongside. Three large signal lanthorns, with proper signal wax candles 
in them, and well lighted, had also, previously to his firing, been hung 
over the bow, quarter, and waist of the Bon homme Richard in a horizontal 
line, which was the signal of reconnoissance ; and the ships, the one having 
a high poop, and being all black, the other haN-ing a low stern, with 
yellow sides, were easily distinguishable, it being full moon. 

" 16. The Alliance then passed at a very considerable distance along 
the larboard or off side of the Bon homme Richard, and having tacked 
and gained the wind, ran down again to leeward, and, in crossing the Bon 
homme Richard's bow, Capt. Landais raked her with a third broadside, 
after being constantly called to fi-om the Bon homme Richard not to fire, 
but to lay the enemy alongside. 

" 17. Sundry men were killed and wounded by the broadsides mentioned 
in the two last articles. 

" 18. Captain Landais never passed on the off side of the Serapis, nor 
could that ship ever bring a gun to bear on the Alliance at any time dur- 
ing the engagement. 

" 19. The leaks of the Bon homme Richard increased much after beinar 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 159 

fired upon by the Alliance ; and as the most dangerous shot which the 
Bon homme Richard received under the water were under the larboard 
bow and quarter, they must have come from the Alliance, for the Serapis 
was on the other side. 

" 20. Several people on board the AUiance told Captain Landais, at 
different times, that he fired upon the wrong ship ; others refused to fire. 

"21. The Alliance only fired three broadsides, while within gun shot, 
on the Bon homme Richard and Serapis. 

" 22. The morning after the engagement. Captain Landais acknowledged 
on board the Serapis, that he raked each time with grape-shot, which he 
knew would scatter. 

" 23. Captain Landais has acknowledged, since tlie action, that he 
would have thought it no harm if the Bon homme Richard had struck, 
for it would have given him an opportunity to retake her, and to take the 
Serapis. 

" 24. He has frequently declared that he was the only American in 
the squadron, and that he was not under the orders of Captain Jones. 

" 25. In coming into the Texel he declared that if Captain Jones should 
hoist a broad pennant, he would, to vex him^ hoist another. 

"I attest the articles number 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 22, to be mat- 
ter of fact, and I beheve all the rest. 

" Robert Coram, Midshipman." 

"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, IV, 19, 
21, and 22, to be matters of fact, and I beheve all the rest. 

" J. W. LiNTHWAiTE, Midshipman." 

"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 
21, and 22, to be mattei^s of fact, and I believe all the rest. 

"John Mayraxt, Midshipman." 

"I attest the articles number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 
18, 19, 20, 22, 23, and 24, to be matters of fact, and I beheve all the 
rest. 

" Lieut. Col. Weibert." 

"I attest the articles number 2, 3, and 11, to be mattei"s of fact, and I 
beheve all the rest. 

" Benjamin Stubbs, Midshipman." 



160 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, and 17, 
to be matters of fact, and I believe all the rest. 

" Thomas Potter, Midshipman." 



" I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 19, to be 
mattei-s of fact, and I beheve all the rest. 

" Nathaniel Fanning, Midshipman." 

"I attest the articles number 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, lY, 19, and 
21, to be matters of fact, and I believe all the rest. 

"Thomas Lundt, Midshipman." 



"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, and 17, 
to be matters of fact, and I believe all the rest. 

" Beaumont Groube, Midshipman." 



"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 23, 
to be mattere of fjict. 

" Stack, Lieut, of Walsh's Reg." 



"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23, and 
24, to be matters of fact. 

" Macarthy, Officer of Walsh's Reg." 



"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21, to 
be mattere of fact. 

" Richard Dale, Fii-st Lieutenant." 



"I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 14, and 22, to be matters 
of fact. 

" Henry Lunt, Second Lieutenant." 



" I attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 
and 21, to be matters of fact. 

" Samuel Stacey, Master." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 161 

"We attest the articles number 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 18,* 20, and 
21, to be matters of fact. 

"James Degge, Lieutenant, ^ 

" John Buckley, Master, > Alliance." 

" John Larcher, Master's Mate, ) 



"I attest to the articles number 11, 12, 14, and 24 ; as to the 4th 
article, I know that he refused to obey the signals for going on board the 
Bon homme Richard ; and with respect to the 9th article, I recollect that 
he said, ' If it is a ship of more than fifty guns, we have nothing to do 
but to run away.' 

"De Cotoineau de Kloguene, Captain of the Pallas." 

" I attest the articles number 2, 5, 11, 12, 20, and 22, to be matters of 
fact. 

" M. Park, Captain of Marines of the Alliance." 



" I, the subscriber, being sent for by the Commodore on the 23d day 
of September, to repair immediately on board his ship, the Bon homme 
Richard, there to examine and find out the leaks of his ship, which was 
within an hour after her engagement with the Serapis, an English shi]) of 
war, I accordingly obeyed the Commodore's orders, and repaired on board 
his ship, when, after searching diligently without and within the said ship, 
I found it was impracticable to stop the leaks, the ship's bottom being so 
much shattered. 

"Dated on board the ship Serapis, at sea, September 24th, 1779. 

" James Bragg, Master Carpenter of the Alliance." 

" I, the subscriber, late midshipman on board the late American ship of 
war the Bou homme Richard, but now acting in that capacity on board 
the sliip of war the Serapis, which ship was taken by the Bon homme 
Richard, on the night of the 23d of September last, the same night I was 
stationed in the Bon homme Richard's main-top the whole of the action. 
About two hours after the engagement commenced, I saw, to my great 
surprise, the Alliance come under the Bon homme Richard's stern, and fij'e 
her whole broadside into the Bon homme Richard ; she then came along 
the off side of the Bon homme Richard, and came under her bow, wheu 
she discharged another volley of both grape and round shot, which I heard 

* The Alliance never passed on the off side of the Serapis. 
11 



162 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

strike the rigging, masts, (fee, on boai-d the Bon homme Richard. Though 
previous to the Alliance firing the second time into the Bon homme Richard, 
I heard some of our officers and men call to the Alhance, which was then 
within hail, for God's sake not to fire into the Bon homme Richard, for, 
said they, you have killed several of our men already. Notwithstanding 
all this, she fired a number of shot afterward into the Bon homme Richard. 
But as to the number of men the Alliance killed on board the Bon homme 
Richard, I cannot ascertain ; however, as to what I have written here, I 
can attest to as a fact. 

"Given under my hand this 23d day of October, 1779. 

" Nathaniel Fanning."* 

* " An intelligent, sensible officer. He had the good fortune and the merit of 
aiding to overcome the enemy stationed in the main-top of the Serapis. He 
commanded afterward, and until the close of the war, the privateer Eclipse, 
belonging to Dunkirk. 

" J. P. Jones." 

*' I, late a midshipman on board of the Bon homme Richard, and aid- 
de-camp to the Honorable John Paul Jones in the action of the 23d of 
September, off Flamborough Head, do certify, that an hour after the com- 
mencement of it, I was on the main-deck, where there was a brisk firing 
kept up until a ship raked us, when I saw two men drop dead, and several 
running from their quarters, crying out, ' The Alliance is manned with 
Englishmen, and firing upon us.' I went up immediately, and saw her 
pass by us. She then, in about two hours' time, came under our stern, 
and while we were hailing her, she fired into our larboard quarter, and 
went ahead of us ; then came before the wind, athwart our bows, when 
she was hailed by Captain Jones's orders, to lay the enemy on board, but 
they returning no answer, were hailed once or twice again, to which they 
answered, ' aye, aye,' and immediately fired several guns, but they being 
at too great a distance to damage the enemy without hurting us, when 
she might have come half as near again without any danger of running 
foul of us or damaging us. But, previous to the above-mentioned engage- 
ment, a signal was hove out from the Bon homme Richard to form a line 
of battle, to which the Alliance paid no attention, but during the whole 
cruise the Alhance very seldom attended to any of Captain Jones's signals. 
It is my sincere opinion on the conduct of the commander of the said ship, 
together with her manoeuvres during the time of action, on the 23d of last 
September, that his motive must have been to kill Captain Jones, and dis- 
tress the Bon homme Richard, so as to cause her to strike to the Serapis, 
that he might himself be able to take the Serapis, and honor himself with 
the laurels of that day. 



LTFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 163 

" In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, on board 
the Serapis, lying in the Texel, the 24th of October, 1779. 

" John Mayrant."* 

* " A young gentleman of fortune, of South Carolina, whose conduct in the 
engagement did him great honor. 

" J. P. Jones." 

" I, late midshipman on board of the American ship of war le Bon 
homme Richard, commanded by the Honorable John Paul Jones, at 
present on board of the Serapis, prize to the above ship, do certify, that 
while at my station in the mizen-top, after we had engaged about two 
hours and a half, I saw, to my great surprise and astonishment, the 
Alhance frigate fire several guns into our larboard quarter. Some time 
after, being ordered fi'om my station in the mizen-top on deck, I saw from 
the forecastle the Alliance standing athwart our bows, before the wind. 
Mr. Linthwaite was then hailing her, by Captain Jones's orders, to lay the 
enemy on board, but hearing no answer to his repeated hail, I hailed her 
in the same words, ' lay the enemy on board ;' no answer being yet made, 
I asked them if they heard us, to which they replied, ' aye, aye,' and fired 
several guns at that distance that part of her grape and cannister shot 
damaged us as well as the enemy ; whereas, it is my opinion, had the 
Alhance come half the distance nearer the Serapis than she did, she might 
have cleared the enemy's deck, and not have raked the Bon homme 
Richard. 

" Previous to the afore mentioned engagement, a signal was hove out 
by Capt. Jones's orders to form a line of battle to which no attention was 
paid on the part of the Alhance. If I may be allowed to give my opinion 
on the general conduct of the commander, together with the manoeuvres 
of the said ship during the action, it appears to me his motive must have 
been to distress the Bon homme Richard, so as to cause her to strike to 
the Serapis, and by boarding the Serapis to retake the Bon homme 
Richard, and thereby claim the laurels of that day. 

" In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, on board the 
Serapis, lying in the Texel, the 24th of October, 1779. 

"Robert Coram."* 

* "A brave, steady officer of South Carolina, whose conduct in the engage- 
ment did him much honor. 

"J. P. Jones." 

" I, the undersigned, Philip Ricot, captain of a vessel in the serNnce of 



164 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

tte United States of America, and commander of the tender Vengeance,* 
in conformity to the request of Com. Paid Jones, my commander, do 
communicate to him, and affirm to the different circumstances, hereafter 
declared, in which M. Landais, captain of the frigate Alliance, has, in 
this cruize, appeared to have deviated fi'om that subordination which the 
service requires. 

"I observed that, on the 31st of August, at half past four in the 
afternoon, a signal was made him by the commodore to chase a sail in 
sight, which M. Landais did not obey. 

"The next day, September 1st, the commodore made him a signal to 
come under his stern that he might speak with him ; this M. Landais did 
not do. 

" The 5th of September the captains of the division being on board of 
the commodore, according to his orders, M. Landais was the only one who 
refused to go, and although Messrs. de Chamillard and Cottineau 
w^ent on board of the AUiance, to persuade him to it, he persisted in his 
refusal. 

" That, in the night of the 23d and 24th of said month, during the 
engagement between the Bon homme Richard and the Serapis, the 
AlHance remained within cannon-shot of the enemy's ship, from about 
half past eight till ten o'clock, without my having seen her fire. I shall 
add, that October the 1st, at eight at night, I received orders from the 
commodore to go and tell M. Landais, who was to windward, to take post 
astern of him ; to which I received this answer, and which was repeated 
by M. Landais himself: 'Go tell the commodore that he may go where 
he pleases.' The inconsistence of this answer, and his rudeness to me, 
have since obHged me to te.stify my dissatisfaction to M. Landais, who 
appeared to have forgot it. I affirm to the facts above declared. 
"Texel, October 25th, 1*779. 

"P. PtlCOT." 

* " The Vengeance was to windward, just out of gun-shot during the whole 
action. The Captain was a sensible man and a good officer. 

"J. P. Jones." 

"These are to certify, that I, Henry Lunt, second lieutenant of the 
American ship-of-war, the late Bon homme Richard, but now of the 
Serapis, commanded by the Honorable John Paul Jones, having, on the 
23d of September, 1779, been ordered in a pilot boat with a party of 
men after a brig, but some time after I set out from alongside, a signal 
was made for me to return back to the Bon homme Richard, she being 
then in chase of two British ships-of-war, the Serapis and Countess of 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 165 

Scarborough, and before I could get on board the Bon homme Eichard 
she commenced the engagement with the Serapis. It being night, I 
thought it not prudent to go alongside in time of action. Being in the 
boat near, I had an opportunity of seeing some part of the Alliance's 
behavior above three quarters of an hour after the action began between 
the Richard and Serapis. The Alliance was to windward of them, and 
appeared to be lying to, about one mile distant. At the same time the 
Pallas was engaging the Countess of Scarborough to leeward of the 
Alliance, and out of my sight. Presently after the Pallas and Countess 
of Scarborough had ceased iiring, the Alhance bore down for them, and 
disappeared out of my sight. What she did there I cannot tell ; but she 
was gone, as near as I can judge, one hour and three quarters, and then 
appeared to me to be going up to assist the Bon homme Richard, but 
was half an hour from that time before she fired ; and after she got up to 
the Richard and Serapis, she fired, and stood off from them to the 
eastward some distance, and, as near as I can judge, was gone better than 
half an hour, then returned back to the Richard and Serapis, and 
fired again. 

" On board the Serapis, at the Texel, 25th of October, 1779. 

" Henry Lunt.* 

* " This certificate of Lieut. Lunt, who was a mere spectator, is of great 
weight and importance, it being only in the power of this gentleman or of Capt. 
Ricot, who in the Vengeance was also a mere spectator, to give a true account 
of the respective positions and mancsuvres of the ships engaged. 

"J. P. Jones." 

" I, the undersigned, certify, that I was extremely surprised in the 
evening of the 23d of September, when I did not hear the Alliance begin 
the engagement with the -Serapis or Countess of Scarborough, .having 
remai'ked just before I went to the main-top (where I commanded a 
detachment during the action), that she appeared to me to be very near 
them. M. Landais had pressed sail during the whole afternoon without 
orders. M. Cottineau hailed us, and asked what station he should take 
during the action, and complained to M. Jones that M. Landais, instead 
of forming the rear as it had been agreed, took the van which was his 
(M. Cottineau's) from him. M. Jones, however, made the signal for 
forming the line ; and I well recollect that he caused a manoeuvre to be 
made in order the Alhance might clearly see his signal, but M. Landais, 
as usual, paid no attention to it, and we all thought the Alliance engaged 
a long time before us. After taking my station in the main-top, I thought 
no more of the Alliance, because the main-top-sail hid her from me. A 
little while after the Serapis hailed us, and I then perceived the Serapis 



166 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

and the Countess of Scarborough pretty nigh each other. We immedi- 
ately began the engagement with the Serapis, and I did not perceive the 
Alliance till about two hours afterwards, when I saw her rake us with her 
whole broadside, a little to larboard of us ; and, at the same time, I heard 
a hundred voices hailing the Alliance, and telhng them that it was on 
board the Bon homme Richard she was filing. A moment after she 
passed us on our larboard side, and it was with difficulty that I hindered 
the people whom I commanded from filing upon her. I hailed M. 
Landais as loud as I could, saying to him, ' I beg you will not sink us.' 
I, at the same time, thought that M. Landais was taking advantage of 
our circumstances to destroy M. Jones, and thereby save himself the 
trouble he must have expected for having disobeyed M. Jones in chasing 
without ordei-s, and in edging off to shape a contrary course, when the 
signal was made to chase, and on several other occasions, such as refusing 
to come on board the Bon homme Richard to consult on the necessary 
operations, &c. The Alliance then came athwart our bow, and began 
afresh to cannonade us very smartly ; I then had not the least doubt of 
his intention to sink us, and should have fired on the Alliance in prefer- 
ence to the Serapis, but that the main-top-sail and other sails concealed 
her from us. At the instant when they cried that the Serapis had struck, 
I came down, and was informed that the Alliance had killed us a number 
of people and, amongst others, an officer who was upon the forecastle. In 
my opinion there was not a soul on board the Bon homme Richard, who 
did not believe that M. Landais knew us before he fired, as we were 
higher out of the water than the Serapis ; that it was moonlight, and 
that we had made the signal by which we must have been known during 
the action. 

" The first lieutenant of the Countess of Scarborough told me some 
days since, that he had remarked, during the action with the Pallas, that 
the Alhance was for some time athwart and to windward of them ; that, 
as soon as the Scarborough had struck, the Alliance came and hailed 
them and asked them ' what vessel that was which was engaged ? ' He 
was answered ' the Serapis.' He asked her force, but they would not tell 
him ; he then tacked and shaped his course under his top-sails only to 
join us. 

" Done on board the Serapis in the Texel, this 2'7th of October, 1779. 

"Edward Stack,* 
" Lieutenant of Walsh's Regiment. 

* " Mr. Stack had the distinguished advantage of commanding in the main- 
top, and the post was essentially useful in the engagement. His merit obtained 
such a certificate from his Commodore, as, being presented to the Minister of 
War at Versailles, procured him promotion from sub-lieutenant to the rank of 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 167 

captain with a pecuniary gratification for the loss of his effects when the Boa 
homme Richard sunk ; and, since the war, his Most Christian Majesty has, for 
his behavior in the Bon homme Richard, granted to him an annuity of four 
hundred livres for life. 

"J. P. Jones." 



" I, late midshipman on board the Bon homme Richard, and aid-du- 
camp to the Honorable John Paul Jones, in the action of the 23d of 
September last, off Flamborough Head, do certify, that about an hour 
after the commencement of it, I heard some of the men that were stationed 
on the forecastle cry out, ' the AlUance rakes us, and has wounded Mr. 
Caswell, the master's mate, with several men ;' this report was afterward 
confirmed by Mr. Caswell, and he declared in his dying words, he received 
his wound from the AUiance. The ship then disappeared, and did not 
return till an hour and a half. As soon as she was discovered, Capt. Jones 
ordered the signal lanthorns of reconnoisance to be placed at proper 
distances from each other, on the larboard side, which order was obeyed 
by the master, notwithstanding which, she came up to our larboard 
quarter and fii-ed into us, then shot ahead and stood athwart our bow, 
when I hailed by order from Captain Jones to lay the enemy on board, to 
which no answer was made. Mr. Coram also repeated the same order, 
then asked them if they heard us, their reply was, ' ay, ay ;' the instant 
after she raked without apparently drawing any nearer the distance, then 
being only within the range of grape-shot, and the two ships lying parallel 
with their sides touching each other, several of his shot were drove into 
the Bon homme Richard. The conclusion I shall make relative to Captain 
Landais's conduct, on the 23d of September, and previous to that time, is, 
that his principal object was to kill Capt. Jones, and to cause the Richard 
to strike, that he might step in and claim the honor of the day. 

" Given under my hand, on board the Bon homme Richard's prize the 
Serapis of 44 guns, at the Te.xel, the 27th of October, 1779. 

"J. W. LiNTHWAITE." 

* " Of South Carolina, and a brave officer, whose conduct in the engagement 
did him great honor. 

" J. P. Jones." 

" Capt. Landais has oftentimes, in my presence, spoken disrespectfully 
and even impudently of Capt. Jones. On one occasion, about the begin- 
ning of September last, on the coast of Scotland, I went on board the 
AUiance frigate by desire of Captain Jones, and told Captain Landais that 
he requested of him to be furnished with the names of the officere and 
men he had a day or two before that put on board the prize ship the 



168 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 

Union, Capt. Johnston, that he (Capt. Jones) might be enabled to despatch 
her ; or, to be informed what directions he had given, if any, as well with 
respect to that vessel, as also with respect to the prize ship the Betsey, 
Capt. Fisher, which also had been manned from the Alliance. Capt. 
Landais, in reply, told me very pertly, that Capt. Jones had no business 
at all with any of those vessels, for that both of them had already received 
proper instructions from him, and that the orders he had given were 
agreeable to the direction he had received from Capt. Jones. I told him 
I was of opinion no commander in the squadron, except Capt. Jones, was 
authorized to send away a prize, or othervnse dispose of her, when in his 
presence, but by virtue of particular orders obtained from him for that 
purpose. Capt. Landais, in a sneering manner, again replied, that he 
would let Capt. Jones know that he had as good a right to despatch prizes 
as he had ; that they were captains of equal rank ; and that the only 
difference between them was seniority on the part of Capt. Jones, which 
he held of little consideration ; and at last Capt. Weibert, who had accom- 
panied me on board, and myself, returned on board the Bon homme 
Richard totally imable to inform Capt. Jones what Capt. Landais had 
ordered with respect to those two ships. A short time after this, a signal 
was made on board the commodore's ship for the captains of the squadron 
to come on board. Capt. Cottineau and Capt. Ricot accordingly came on 
board. Capt. Landais not obeying, Capt. Jones desired me to go again 
on board the Alliance, and deliver Capt. Landais a letter which he then 
handed to me, and which I understood contained an order for him to come 
immediately on board ; accordingly, I went on board the AUiance, and 
deUvered Captain Landais the letter, which he took with him to the cabin, 
and in a few minutes returned and delivered me another for Capt. Jones ; 
this I brought instantly on board and delivered to him. It contained a 
second refusal on the part of Capt. Landais, and very much offended the 
gentlemen who had pohtely obeyed the signal, and were then waiting for 
him. Capt. Jones, chagrined by the obstinacy of that officer, would have 
proceeded to the business he had in \new, without paying any further 
attention to him ; but being still anxious to have his opinion on, and 
approbation of the measure, conjointly with the other officers of the 
squadron, a further attempt to obtain his company was resolved on. For 
this purpose, at the desire of Capt. Jones, Capt. Cottineau, M. Chamillard, 
and myself, went on board the Alliance, to try the effect of persuasion 
upon Capt. Landais ; but in vain did those gentlemen represent to him 
the absolute necessity there was for his joining in consultation with his 
brother officers ; that the good of the service demanded his compliance, as 
an enterprise of some moment was to be deliberated on ; but alas ! in 
vain did they waste an hour or more in arguments to this end — in vain 



/ 

LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 169 

did they attempt to pei-suade him — in vain did they entreat him — in vain 
did they tell him what he had to dread from the consequences of his 
obstinately persisting to disobey the orders of his commanding officer. 
Instead of paying polite attention to the advice given him, he, on the 
contrary, not only disregarded it, but gave himself the hberty to speak of 
Capt. Jones in terms highly disrespectful and insolent, and said he would 
see him on shore, when they must kill one or the other, &c. 

" On the 23d of September last, when the signal for a general chase 
was given to pursue the Baltic fleet, the Alliance frigate was the headmost 
ship of om- squadron, and continued to keep ahead until she began to 
near the enemy, when Capt Landais very unexpectedly and agreeably 
surprised Capt. Jones by hauling his ship's wind, thereby politely leaving 
room for his commander to approach the largest ship, which he instantly 
engaged. Captain Landais still keeping at a respectful distance from his 
commander, which respect he, however, continued to observe, mal-apropos, 
until very late in the engagement. The action had lasted more than an 
hour, and the Bon homme Richard and the Serapis had been made fast 
alongside each other by Captain Jones, head and stern together, for some 
time, before I received the wound which obliged me to quit the deck, at 
which time the Bon homme Richard still continued alone with a force 
much superior to herself, and although she had been most severely treated 
by her enemy, she nevertheless continued to hug her in close em1;)race. 
The behavior of our consorts upon this day was very mysterious ; but that 
of Capt. Landais was of such a cast, as, in my opinion, must unavoidably 
announce him to the public a man devoid of conduct — a man of infamous 
principles — or, a rank coward. 

" The Alliance having received no shot from the enemy, her captain 
had the advantage to have none of his men either killed or wounded 
during the whole engagement. And it is Wghly worthy of remark, that 
before the Alliance raked the Bon homme Richard by firing alternately 
into her head and stern, the enemy had been dislodged and driven from 
the tops and quarterdeck of the Serapis to her first and second batteries, 
where they were under cover. The discharge of the second battery of the 
Serapis having beat in one side of the Bon homme Richard and blovm 
out the other, made a breach from before the mainmast to the stern, 
cutting off the sternpost and rudder, and dislodging every one from that 
situation. These retreated to the forecastle of the Bon homme Richard, 
where they could not be fired upon from the Serapis, and with those 
stationed there, were exposed to the fire of the Alliance. 

" Serapis, at the Texel, November 13th, 1779. 

" Matthew Mease." * 

• " Mr. Mease, of Philadelphia, was a gentleman of worthy character. He 



170 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

was not bred a seaman, but had many times crossed the ocean, being a merchant 
and owner of ships. His love for America (his country) induced him to embark 
in the Bon homme Richard, and, the other offices being previously filled, he 
accepted the place of purser. In the engagement with the Serapis, he com- 
manded the quarterdeck guns of the Bon homme Richard, and behaved with 
distinguished coolness and intrepidity, till he was dangerously wounded in the 
head by a grape-shot. The next day his skull was trepanned in six or seven 
places ; but, immediately after the surgeon had tied up his head in the action, 
which lasted three hours after his misfortune, he returned again upon deck. 

"J. P. Jones." 



"Whereas, since the campaign of 1*779, there have been various and 
partial reports secretly spread against the private and social character of 
Commodore Paul Jones, formerly commanding the squadron of the Bon 
homme Richard; and as, among other hearsays and groundless stories, I 
have sometimes heard that the above mentioned officer had formally given 
the lie to M. Landais, formerly captain of the Alliance, relating to the loss 
of a boat in sight of the coast of Ireland : — therefore I declare and affirm, 
that the aforesaid commodore did not say to M. Landais, ' You lie,' but no 
more than these very vs^ords : ' It is an untruth ;' which M. Landais was 
pleased to interpret as a formal givinf/ the He, who was never able to 
overcome his peevish, obstinate, turbulent, and ungovernable temper, 
which he constantly showed during the Avhole of the campaign. Moreover, 
I certify, that Commodore Paul Jones, far from commanding with 
haughtiness or brutality, as certain persons have endeavored to circulate, 
was always (though very strict and sharp in the service) affable, genteel, 
and very indulgent, not only towards his officers, but likewise towards the 
sailors and soldiers, whom he ever treated with humanity. As I was a 
witness to the before-mentioned quarrel, I must in conscience confess that 
M. Landais gave, at the time, great cause for it, by the arrogant manner 
which he assumed towards his commander in answer to the peaceable, 
good, and fair reasons to which he would never yield ; so far to the 
contrary, that he (M. Landais) answered the commodore (Lieut. Chamil- 
lard and myself both being present) in the most gross and insulting terras 
— at first in English, which he immediately rendered in French, that M. 
Chamillard might not be ignorant of anything that passed. The whole 
of the aforesaid quarrel happened in the round house of the Bon homme 
Richard, the 23d and 25th of August, in the above mentioned year. I 
conclude by sa)ang, that M. Landais accompanied or affirmed his offensive 
and very scandalous discourse by the most provoking gestures. 

^'■Philadelphia, November 28th, 1781. 

" Lieut. Col. Weibert, 
" Of the corps of American Engineere." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 171 

"Being on board the AJliance on the 23d of September, lYYO, and 
stationed on the quarterdeck in the time of the action with the Serapis 
and Countess of Scarborough, do certify, that I saw the Countess of Scar- 
borough rake the Bon homme Richard, but cannot say whether she raked 
her more than once. 

"John Spencer.* 

"October 30, 1119:' 



* He said he was a lieutenant-colonel in the service of the State of South 
Carolina. 

The Bon homme Richard and Serapis had been from the beginning, and still 
were closely engaged, broadside to broadside. The Alliance being just within 
long cannon shot to windward of the Countess of Scarborough, could easily 
have prevented that ship's raking fire into the stern of the Bon homme Richard. 
The Pallas was at this time to windward of the Alliance, of course out of gun- 
shot of the enemy. But Capt. Cottineau, of the Pallas, bore down, and having 
spoken the Alliance as he passed that frigate, he engaged, and after a considerable 
action took the Countess of Scarborough. 



On the 9tli of May, 1T7T, Captain John Paul Jones was 
directed to proceed to France (by the Marine Committee), and 
to obey the orders of the Secret Committee. Being arrived in 
Em-ope, it was the intention of Congress " that he should be 
invested with the command of a Jine fast sailing frigate^ or 
la/rger sTiipP In pursuance of this plan, the Secret Committee 
of Congress wrote to the Honorable Benjamin Franklin, Silas 
Deane, and Ai-thur Lee, Esq'rs. Commissioners, &c. at Paris, 
as follows : — 



" Philadelphia, May 9 th, 1111. 

" Honorable Gentlemen, 

" This letter is intended to be delivered to you by John Paul Jones, 
Esq., an active and brave commander in our navy, who has already 
performed signal services in vessels of little force ; and, in reward for his 
zeal, we have directed him, &c. You will assign him some good house 
or agent to supj^ly him with everything necessary to get the ship speedily 
and well equipped and manned : somebody that will bestir themselves 
vigorously in the business, and never quit it until it is accomphshed. You 
see by this step how much dependence Congress place in your advices, 



172 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

and you must make it a point not to disappoint Capt. Paul Jones's wishes 
and our expectations on this occasion. 

" We are, Honorable Gentlemen, 

" Youi' obedient, humble servants, 

" Robert Morris, 
" Richard H. Lee, 
" William Whipple, 
"Philip Livingston." 



The ship in question was the Indien^ then on the stocks at 
Amsterdam, belonging to the United States ; but this having 
been discovered to the British minister by some of Mr. Arthur 
Lee's papers, of which they had got possession just before Com, 
Paul Jones arrived at Paris, and the treaty of alliance being on 
the point to be concluded, he consented to their assigning over 
the property of that ship to the King of France. Among the 
political reasons which operated this arrangement was the great 
opposition made to the equipment of the Lidien, by the British 
ambassador in Holland. The command of the Indien was, 
however, reserved for Captain Jones, till (subsequent to his 
campaign of 1779) he had made an arrangement of a plan with 
the Count de Maurapas, which promised much greater import- 
ance, to the common cause. After this his majesty lent the use 
of the Indien to the Prince de Luxembourg for three years, and 
the prince cJia/rtered her, for the term prescribed, to Mr. 
Gillon, of South Carolina, under the commission of that state. — ■ 
This was the ship that Mr. Gillon came in to Philadelphia^ 
under the name of the South Carolina. 



Extract of a letter from Captain J. P. Jones to the Honorable John 
Adams,* dated L'Orient, May 13th, 1779. 

" You will confer a singular obligation on me, by favoi-ing me with 



* The Honorable Mr. Adams was then, and had been for some time, on board the 
Alliance. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 173 

your opinion and advice respecting the unhappy misunderstanding which 
I am told prevails on board the Alliance. I ask your advice, because, 
though I am determined to preserve order and discipline where I com- 
mand, yet I wisli to reprove with moderation, and never punish while 
there remains a good alternative. It appears that there is a fault at least 
in one of the parties, and I wish much to know where the fault hes ; for 
without harmony and general good will among the officers, I cannot 
proceed with a good prospect." 

In relation to Captain Landais, Dr. Franklin's opinion was 
decidedly against him. He commnnicated to tliat officer 
himself his objections to him, and in the most uneqnivocal 
terms refused to him the command of a ship of war, giving his 
reasons. 



His Excellency Benjamin Franklin to Captain Landais, dated Passy, 
March 12th, 1780. 

" No one has ever learned the opinion I formed of you from the inquiry 
made into your conduct. I kept it entirely to myself — I have not even 
hinted it in my letters to America, because I would not hazard gi^nng to 
any one a bias to your prejudice. By communicating a fart of that 
opinion privately to you, I can do no harm, for you may burn it. I 
should not give you the pain of reading it, if your demand did not make 
it necessary : I think you then so imprudent, so litigious, and quarrelsome 
a man, even with your best friends, that peace and good order, and 
consequently the quiet and regular subordination so necessary to success, 
are, where you preside, impossible ; these are within my observation and 
apprehension : your military operations I leave to more capable judges. 
If, therefore, I had twenty ships of war in my disposition, I should not 
give one of them to Captain Landais. The same temper which excluded 
him from the French marine would weigh equally with me ; of course I 
shall not replace him in the Alliance. I am, &c., 

" B. Franklin." 



The subjoined correspondence will illustrate the friendly 
disposition of Holland towards the United States, the difficulties 
which the states of that republic experienced in the manifesta- 
tion of it, so as to avoid an open rupture with Great Britain ; 



1Y4 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the influence of Commodore Jones at the Hague ; the 
exclusively American feelings by which he was governed ; the 
high estimation in which he was held by Dr. Franklin, by some 
of the principal men in Europe, and by all the Americans of 
note within the sphere of his acquaintance. His patriotism and 
philanthropy cannot be questioned, when it is observed with 
what anxiety he sought for the liberation of the American 
prisoners in England, regarding his successes chiefly as the 
means of procuring their exchange. Although not insensible 
to pleasure, he was never negligent of business, was eminently 
discreet, and always at the post which duty required. 

" On board the shi'p of war Serajns, at anchor in the ) 
road of the 2'excl, October 5 th, 1119. ) 

" His Excellency the Duke De la Vauguyon, 
Ambassador of France, at the Hague. 
" My Lord, 

" I am but this moment arrived here, otherwise I should have sent you 
a more early account of my late expedition. I now enclose herewith a 
copy of the account which I have forwarded by express to his excellency 
the Minister of the Marine at court. As we have on board the different 
vessels here, I beheve (for I have not yet been able to procure an exact 
return) three hundred and fifty prisoners, and of that number I suppose 
an hundred and thirty wounded, I would esteem it a particular favor to 
have your opinion on the measures that are most expedient to be adopted 
in that respect. Whether it would be proper to set them at liberty here, 
upon such security as may be obtained, that the EngUsh government will 
immediately expedite an equal number of Americans to France ? Unless 
such security as may be fully depended upon can be obtained, I think 
these prisoners must be sent immediately for Dunkirk. We are now 
preparing the Countess of Scarborough and the Vengeance to transport 
them to France, in case it should be necessary. The Countess of Scar- 
borough not being fit for war, can remain in France, while the Vengeance 
brings back all our people, and as many more as can be obtained to 
replace the great number that I have lost out of the crew of the Bon 
homme Richard, in killed and wounded, not less I suppose than one 
hundred and fifty men. 

" I have had the honor to receive by the hand of our agent, Mr. Dumas, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 175 

such ordere from his Excellency Dr. Franklin, as it will be impossible for 
me to fulfil, unless I meet with great and immediate assistance to enable 
me to depart before the end of this month. The Serapis must be entirely 
new masted and rigged ; nothing being left above deck that is capable of 
sustaining a passage of any length in the approaching season. She wants 
also sails, rigging, boats, and pro\'ision. The hull, though considerably 
damaged, may easily be repaired. 

" As soon as I have made some necessary an-angements here, I mean to 
do myself the honor of paying your Excellency my personal respects, and 
to receive your orders at the Hague. In the mean time, I beseech you to 
favor me with a line respecting my wounded, whether of France or America, 
as well as respecting the prisoners of war, and the treatment that they 
ought to receive in point of pronsion and otherwise. 

" Irhave the honor to be, with profound respect, &c." 

^^ Amsterdam, October llth, 1779. 

" His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 

" I had the honor to write your Excellency a line fi'om the Hague, on 
the 8th. His Excellency the French ambassador and the agent have, no 
doubt, marked the situation of affairs with respect to the squadron as con- 
cerned with this government and with the enemy. I am doing everything 
in my power towards fulfilling the advice which I have received from his 
Excellency ; and as I am informed that Captain Cunningham is threatened 
with unfair play by the British government, I am determined to keep in 
my hands the captain of the Sei-apis, as an hostage for Cunningham's 
release as a prisoner of war. With respect to the other prisoners now in 
my hands, if the English ambassador. Sir Joseph Yorke, will give us 
security, in his public character, that an equal number and denomination 
of Americans shall be sent immediately to France, I believe it will be good 
policy to set them at liberty here ; and I shall endeavor indirectly to 
inform myself immediately how that matter can be managed. Landais is 
come up here, and purposes, after gadding about in this city, to figure 
away at the Hague. He continues to affect an entire independence of my 
control, and has given in here an extraordinary demand for supplies of 
every kind. This famous demand, however, I have ventured to disap- 
prove, and reduced to, I believe, a fourth part of its first extent. I hope 
to account to your satisfaction for my reasons — among which is his having 
been so plentifully and so lately furnished. I wish heartily that poor 
Cunningham, (whom I am taught to regard as a continental officer,) was 
exchanged, as with his assistance I could form a couit-martial, which I 
believe you will see unavoidable. I go down to the Texel to-night, and 



176 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

will from thence forward the return of killed and wounded with the pri- 
soners, I think the prisoners will not fall much short of four hundred ; 
and I hope my loss in killed and Avounded will be less than I at first 
imagined. I believe, also, that the enemy's loss will considerably exceed 

GUI'S. 

" I am ever, with sentiments of the highest esteem and respect, &c." 

" Zwol, October Idth, 1779. 
" The Hon. Paul Jones. 

" Having the honor to be an old and tried friend of America, I hope 
you will pardon, on that account, the liberty I take to addi'ess you these 
hnes. 

" It was with unspeakable satisfaction I received the tidings of the many 
successes during your expedition on the coasts of Britain ; but particularly 
was I struck with admiration by your late engagement with the Serapis, 
of which M. De Neuf\-ille has given me some incomplete account. Do 
not therefore wonder, Sir, that I long to hear directly from yourself an 
authentic and circumstanced one, containing all the particulai-s relating to 
a sea fight rather to be found in the books of a former century than in 
our present age on the ocean. What emboldens me, moreover, to ask 
you the fiivor of such an account is, that I have the mortification to see a 
despicable party spirit endeavoring to deprive you of a praise which even 
your antagonist, the commander of the Serapis, if he be as just as he 
seems valorous, will not deny you. As I am very desirous to do you 
justice wherever occasion shall offer itself, you will, by supplying me the 
necessary means, and sending your answer to M. De Neufville, very much 
oblige, 

" Sir, your most humble and obedient servant, 

" J. D. Vander Capellen. 

" Address to the Baron Vander Capellen, Member of the House of 
Nobles of the province of Overyssel. 

"Fassi/, October 15 th, 1119. 
"Dear Sir, 

"I received the account of your cruize and engagement with the 
Serapis, which you did me the honor to send me from the Texel. I have 
since received your favor of the 8th fi-om Amsterdam. For some days 
after the arrival of your express, scarce anything was talked of at Paris 
and Versailles but your cool conduct and persevering bravery during that 



LTFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 177 

terrible conflict. You may believe that the impression on my mind was 
not less strong than that of others, but I do not choose to say in a letter 
to yourself, all I think on such an occasion. 

" The ministry are much dissatisfied with Capt. Landais, and M. de 
Sartine has signified to me in writing that it is expected I should send for 
him to Paris, and call him to account for his conduct, particularly for 
deferring so long the coming to your assistance, by which means, it is 
supposed, the States lost more of their valuable citizens, and the King 
lost many of his subjects, volunteei-s in your ship, together with the 
ship itself. 

" I have accordingly written to him this day, acquainting him that he is 
charged with disobedience of orders in the cruize, and neglect of his duty 
in the engagement ; that a court martial being at this time inconvenient, 
if not impracticable, I would give him an earlier opportunity of offering 
what he has to say in his justification, and for that purpose direct him 
to render himself immediately here, bringing with liim such papere or 
testimonies as he may think useful in his defence. I know not whether he 
will obey my orders, nor what the ministry will do with him if he comes, 
but, I suspect, that they may by some of their concise operations save the 
trouble of a court mai-tial. It will be well however for you to furnish me 
with what you may judge proper to support the charges against him, that 
I may be able to give a just and clear account of the affair to Congress. 

" In the meantime it will be necessary, if he should refuse to come, 
that you should put him under an arrest, and in that case as well as if he 
comes, that you should either appoint some person to command his ship, 
or take it upon yourself; for I know of no person to recommend to you 
as fit for that station. 

" I am uneasy about your prisonei-s, I wish they were safe in France. 
You will then have comjjleted the glorious work of giving liberty to all 
the Americans that have so long languished for it in the British 
prisons : for there are not so many there as you have now taken. 

" I have the pleasure to inform you that the two prizes sent to Norway 
are safely arrived at Berghen. 

" With the highest esteem, I am, &c. 

"B. Franklin. 
" P. S. — I am sorry for your misunderstanding with M. de C. who has 
a gi'eat regard for you." 

^'Pallas, Tuesday evening, October 19 th, 1779. 
" Captain Jones, Serapis. 

" Captain Pearson presents his compliments to Captain Jones, and is 

12 



178 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

sorry to find himself so little attended to in his present situation, as not 
to have been favored with either a Call or a line from Captain Jones since 
his return from Amsterdam. Captain P. is sorry to say that he cannot 
look upon such behavior in any other light than as a breach of that 
Civility which his rank, as well as behavior on all occasions, entitles to ; 
he, at the same time, wishes to be informed by Captain Jones whether 
any Steps has been taken towards the enlargement or exchange of him, 
his officers, and people, or what is intended to be done with them. As 
he cannot help thinking it a very unprecedented circumstance their being 
keepcd here as prisoners on board of ship, being so long in a neutral 
port." 

"■Serapis, Wednesday, October 20th, 1779. 
"Captain Pearson, 
" Sir, 

" As you have not been prevented from corresponding Avith your friends, 
and [particularly with the English ambassador at the Hague, I could not 
suppose you to be unacquainted with his memorial of the 8th to the 
States General, and therefore I thought it fruitless to pursue the negotia- 
tion for the exchange of the prisoners of war, now in our hands, 

" I wished to avoid any painful altercation with you on that subject ; I 
was persuaded that you had been in the highest degree sensible that my 
behavior ' towards you had been far from a breach of civility.' This 
charge is not. Sir, a civil return for the polite hospitality, and disinterested 
attentions which you have hitherto experienced. 

" I know not what difference of respect is due to ' Rank ' between your 
seiTice and ours ; I suppose, however, the diflerence must be thought very 
great in England, since I am informed that Captain Cunningham, of 
equal denomination, and who bears a senior rank in the service of America 
than yours in the service of England, is now confined at Plymouth in a 
dungeon and in fetters. 

" Humanity, which has hitherto superseded the plea of retaliation in 
American breasts, has induced me (notwithstanding the procedure of Sir 
Joseph Yorke), to seek after permission to land the dangerously wounded, 
iis well prisoners as Americans, to be supported and cured at the expense 
of our Continent. The permission of the government has been obtained, 
but the magistrates continue to make objections. I shall not discontinue 
my application. I am ready to adopt any means that you may propose 
for their preservation and recovery, and, in the meantime, we shall continue 
to treat them with the utmost care and attention, equally, as you know, 
to the treatment of our people of the same rank. 



L T F E OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 179 

" As it is possible that you have not yet seen the memorial of your 
ambassador to the States General, I enclose a paper which contains a copy, 
and I believe he has since written what, in the opinion of good men, will 
do still less honor to his pen. 

" I cannot conclude without informing you that, unless Captain Cun- 
ningham is immediately better treated in England, I expect orders in 
consequence from His Excellency, Dr. Franklin; therefore, I beseech you, 
Sir, to interfere. 

" I am. Sir, &c." 

"Ore hoard the Serapis at the Texel, ) 
October 2itk, 1779. \ 
" M. Le Rat de Chaumont. 

" I owed you, my dear friend, an earlier reply to your much esteemed 
favor of the 11th, fi-om Passy. Although I am sensible that I have not 
yet merited the many compliments and generous praises that you have 
there bestowed on my past conduct, yet I should be very unworthy indeed 
if I did not return you my most grateful and sincere thanks. There is a 
warmth of expression in your compliments which affords me the truest 
pleasure, as a proof that I still enjoy a share of your affection ; and, although 
Capt, Landais has lately told me at Amsterdam that you proposed to 
him to displace me fi-om the Bon homme Richard, yet I beheve the 
assertion false, and calculated to serve a base and selfish purpose. 1 pity 
and despise his narrow and jealous mind, that could form an idea of my 
character so far beneath it as to suppose that I sought to supplant him in 
the command of the Alliance. It must be his punishment to be informed, 
as he will by his Excellency Dr. Franklin, that I have always written 
in his favor, and you well know that I took every possible pains to estab- 
lish him in that command, and to gain back to him the confidence of his 
l)eo]>le which, when he first came to serve under my orders, he had 
entirely lost. I can now tell besides that, although my officers in the Bon 
homme Richard were the only persons blamed for the damage sustained 
wlien the two ships ran foul of each other, yet Capt. Landais could and 
should have prevented that accident. He was on deck, and it was his 
duty to make way for his senior officer and commander, instead of running 
below, as I am assured he did, with trepidation to load his pistols ! On 
our late expedition he left off to chase a ship thought to be an English 
East-Indiaman, without my order, having first bore away several times 
while he could easily have overtaken her. And to his feai-s and remon- 
strances on the coast of Ireland, is owing the escape of the eight East- 
India ships that arrived at Limerick three days after I had gratified him 
by lea\ing sight of the entrance of that harbor. 



180 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" His separation from the squadron afterward, is owing, as the officei's 
of the Alhance inform me, to his altering the course both times in the 
night. Captain Landais has told me at Amsterdam that he saw the 
Countess of Scarborough rake the Bon homrao Richard, early in the 
engagement. He ought to be ashamed to confess that he lay to windward 
and permitted this ! It is certain that the Bon homme Richard then was 
raked by a full broadside, besides sustaining the whole fire of the 
Serapis. 

" Many people are of opinion that Captain Landais also about that time 
raked the Bon homme Richard : — however that was, I verily believe that 
in firing the two last broadsides upon the Bon homme Richard, he did not 
wish all the shot to miss Captain Jones, and also that the worst shot 
which the Bon homme Richard received under water came from the 
Alliance. He has since our arrival here, told Col. de Weibert and others 
of my officers, that ' he was in no haste to come to our assistance, because 
there would have been no harm if we had been taken, to give him an 
opportunity of retaking the Bon homme Richard.' None but a fool, a 
madman, or a villain would have raked at that distance, while a friend 
and an enemy were made fast alongside of each other. If he had wished 
to act the part of an officer or a man, he would have come to my assistance 
long before the two ships were in a situation that to rake the one at the 
range of grape shot, he must necessarily rake the other. 

" But why should I dwell on a subject which can afford neither you 
nor me pleasure ! I am now convinced that I now enjoy your friendship 
and affectionate wishes ; therefore I beseech you to pardon the freedom of 
my letters, that I forwarded by M. de Chamillard ; which, though a proof 
of the honest pi'ide which will ever attend an independent and disinterested 
spirit, is also, I hope, a proof that my mind is far above the little arts of 
falsehood and double dealing. 

" It shall be my pride to acknowledge everywhere how much I owe to 
the attentions of France, and to the personal friendship of M. de Chaumont, 
for furnishing me with the means of giving liberty to all the American 
prisoners now in Eui-ope : — for that is the greatest ti-iumph which a good 
man can boast, and is therefore a thousand times more flattering to me 
than victory. 

" I ardently wish for future opportunities to render real services to our 
common cause ; which is the only way I can hope to prove my gratitude 
to France, to America, and to my much loved friend M. de Chaumont, 
and his amiable family, with whom I sincerely desire to live henceforth 
in the fullest confidence and affection. In the fullness of my heart, I 
am, with the highest respect, my dear Chaumont, your truly obliged 
friend, &c." 



IIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 181 

'•'•New York, December, 1824. 

" I certify that the original of the preceding letter was duly received by 
my father. 

" Le Ray de Chaumont." 

The determinations of the French cornet, which appear to 
have been too tardy for Jones's ardent wish for active employ- 
ment at this period of his history, seem to have occasioned him 
some uneasiness. lie had, moreover, as every celebrated man 
will have, rivals and enemies, who felt rebuked beneath his 
superior genius, instilled suspicions into the minds of the 
French ministry, and contested his claim to an independent 
command, where the cost of a cruize or expedition was to be 
defrayed by the treasury of France. Jones did not conceal his 
sensations. He refused to accej)t of any other commission than 
one from the Congi-ess, or to fight under any other flag than 
that of the United States. He expressed his sentiments freely, 
and began to think of returning to America. The Duke de la 
Vauguyon was apprised of the commodore's dissatisfaction, and 
wrote to him a soothing letter, of which the following is a 
correct translation : 

^^ Hague, December 2lst, 1779. 
" Commodore Jones, in the road of the Texel. 

"I have received, my dear commodore, the letter which you have 
addressed to me. I perceive with pain that you do not view your situation 
in the right light ; and I can assure you that the ministers of the king 
have no intention to cause you the least disagreeable feelings, as the 
honorable testimonials of the esteem of his majesty which I send you, 
ought to convince you. I hope you will not doubt the sincere desire with 
which you have inspired me, to procure you every satisfaction you may 
merit. It cannot fail to be precious to you, and to incite you to give new 
proofs of your zeal for the common cause of France and America. I flatter 
myself to renew before long the occasion, and to procure you the means 
to increase still more the glory you have already acquired ; I am already 
occupied with all the interest I promised you, and if my views are realized, 



182 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

as I have every reason to believe, you will be at all events perfectly 
content ; but I must pray you not to hinder my project, in delivering 
yourself to the expression of that bitter grief to which you appear to have 
given way, and which has no real foundation. You appear to possess full 
confidence in the justice and kindness of the king, rely also on the same 
sentiments on the part of the ministry ; my friendship for you, my dear 
commodore, requires that neither your conduct nor conversation announce 
the least doubt in this respect, 

" Le Duo de la Vauguyon." 

To this letter Commodore Jones thus answered : 

"Alliance, Texel, December 25th, Ill9. 
" The Duke de Vauguyon. 
"My Lord, 

" I have not an heart of stone, but am duly sensible of the obliga- 
tions conferred on me by the very kind and affectionate letter that you 
have done me the honor to write me the 21st current. 

" Were I to form my opinion of the ministry from the treatment that 
I experienced while at Brest, or from their want of confidence in me 
afterward, exclusive of what has taken place since I had the misfortune 
to enter this port, I will appeal to your Excellency as a man of candor 
and ingenuousness, whether I ought to desire to prolong a connexion that 
has made me so unhappy, and wherein I have given so very little satisfac- 
tion ? M. le Chev. de Lironcourt has lately made me reproaches on 
account of the expense, that he says France has been at, to give me 
reputation, in preference to twenty captains of the royal navy, better 
quahfied than myself, and who, each of them, solicited for the command 
that was lately given to me ! This, I confess, is quite new and indeed 
surprising to me, and had I known it before I left France, I certainly 
should have resigned in favor of the twenty men of superior merit. I do 
not, however, think that his first assertion is true ; for the ministry must 
be unworthy of their places, were they capable of squandering the public 
money, merely to give an individual reputation ! and, as to the second, I 
fancy the Court will not thank him for having given me that information, 
whether true or false. I may add here that with a force so ill composed, 
and with powers so hmited, I ran ten chances of ruin and dishonor for 
one of gaining reputation ; and had not the plea of humanity in favor of 
the unfortunate Americans in English dungeons superseded all considera- 
tions of self, I faithfully assure you, my lord, that I would not have 
proceeded under such circumstances from Groaix. I do not imbibe hasty 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JOKES. 183 

prejudices against any individual, but when many and repeated circum- 
stances, conspiring in one point, has inspired me with disesteem towards 
any person, 1 must see very convincing proofs of reformation in such 
person, before my heart can beat again with affection in his fevor. For 
the mind is free, and can be bound only by kind treatment. 

" You do me great honor as well as justice, my lord, by observing that 
no satisfaction can be more precious to me than that of giving new proofs 
of my zeal for the common cause of France and America ; and the 
interest that you take to facilitate the means of my giving such proofs by 
essential services, claims my best thanks. I hope I shall not through any 
imprudence of mine, render ineffectual any noble design that may be in 
contemplation for the general good. Whenever that object is mentioned, 
my private concerns are out of the question ; and where I cannot speak 
exactly what I could wish with respect to my private satisfaction, I promise 
you in the mean time to observe a prudent silence. 

•' With a deep sense of your generous sentiments of personal regard 
towards me, and with the most sincere wishes to merit that regard by my 
conduct through hfe, 

"I am, my lord, &c." 

Commodore Jones bad previously written to his friend, Mr. 
Morris, on the 5th of December. To him he said : "By the 
within despatches for Congress, I am persuaded you will 
observe with pleasure that my connexion with a Court is at an 
end, and that my pros])ect of returning to America approaches. 
The great seem to wish only to be concerned with tools who 
dare not speak or write truth. I am not sorry that my 
connexion with tliem is at an end. In the course of that 
connexibn I ran ten chances of ruin and dishonor for one of 
reputation; and all the honors or profit that France could 
bestow should not tempt me again to undertake the same 
service with an armament equally ill composed and with 
powers equally limited. It affords me the most exalted i^lea- 
siu-e to reflect that, when I return to America, I can say that I 
have served in Europe at my own expense, and without the fee 
or reward of a Court. When the prisoners we have taken are 
safely lodged in France, I shall have no further bushiess in 



184 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Europe, as the liberty of all our fellow citizens who now suffer 
in English prisons will then be secm-ed ; and I shall hope 
hereafter to be usefully employed under the immediate direction 
of the Congress." 

Jones was a man of ardent temperament, felt the value of 
his own talents, and was restless under the least appearance of 
indifference towards him. He did not justly estimate the 
obstacles which the French ministry had to remove in assigning 
to him the honorable command which he had already held. 
He was a foreigner, and the officers of the French navy must 
have had their prejudices against him. Many of them longed 
for employment as well as Jones, and putting in their claims to 
a preference, on accomit of rank and nativity, was no doubt the 
principal cause of that neglect of which he complained. He, 
nevertheless, retained the esteem of the king and of the 
most enlightened of his subjects, who felt the benefit, both 
to America and France, of the splendid services of the 
Commodore. 

Commodore Jones at lenc-th departed from the Texel, and 
amved at Corogne about the middle of January, 1778, when 
he immediately wrote to General Lafayette the following letter. 
His skill and hardihood in eluding the vigilance of the squad- 
ron by which he was blockaded, and in braving the dangers of 
the British Channel were conspicuous, and he speaks of his 
good fortune in his usual strain of manliness and naval 
gallantry : — 

^^ Alliance, Corogne, January 16ih, 1780. 
" The Hon. Marquis De La Fayette. 

" Notwithstanding my hopes of leaving the Texel immediately after I 
had the honor of ^vl■iting to my noble friend on the 30th of November a 
letter of which the within is a copy, yet I was detained in that detestable 
road until the 2'7th of December. I made my passage safe through the 
Channel, in spite of all their cruizing ships and squadrons, and had the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 185 

pleasure of looking at tliem in the Downs, and in passing in sight of the 
Isle of Wight, (fee. I steered this way in ho2)es of meeting some of their 
cruizers off Cape Finisterre, but am hitherto disappointed. It being very- 
stormy weather I this evening anchored here, where I mean only to scrub 
the bottom and take a little fi-esh water, after which I purpose to cruize 
towards France, and on my arrival at L'Orient I shall be happy to hear 
from you again. 

" Since my last to you, while I remained at the Texel, I was greatly 
astonished, and indeed mortified, at a proposition from Court, communi- 
cated to me by the Due de Vauguyon ; his Excellency afterwards, on the 
21st of December, wrote me a most affectionate letter, a copy with my 
answer is enclosed. I shall make no remark, but leave you, my dear 
Marquis, to judge of my feelings, and how much I must have been 
shocked at the treatment I received from the Court, particularly in the 
Texel. I am always, with the most lively affection and esteem, 

" Yours, &c. 

" I remember this letter to me. 

" Lafayette. 
^'■Washington Citi/, Febnianj, 1825." 

On the 28th of January the Commodore sailed from Corogne, 
and after a short cruise, which is explained in the annexed 
letter to Dr. Franklin, he arrived at Groaix on the 10th of 
Februar J, when he left the Alliance and, on account of impaired 
health, went up to L'Orient : — 

'' L'Orient, Feb. ISth, 1780. 
" His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 
" Honorable and Dear Sir, 

" I had the pleasure of writing to your Excellency on my arrival at 
Corogne. Having refreshed my people, and shunned a gale of wind in 
that port, I sailed again the 28th ult. I took a turn to the westward of 
Cape Finisterre, in hopes of intercepting some of the enemy's ships, but 
without success ; and meeting with Mr. Haywood, in the Living-ston, on 
his return from Virginia, I thought it my duty to take him under convoy. 
On the passage from Boston for Brest the Alhance was broached-to, and 
veiy near being lost. In that situation the sea struck with such violence 
against the head that the cutwater was wrenched considerably out of its 



186 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

place. When the ship was hove down here, it would have been an easy- 
matter to have secured the head. I did not, however, then know the cir- 
cumstance, nor did my health permit me to attend, and as I understood 
Captain Landais only ordered the part of the cutwater that projected on 
one side of the stem to be dubbed off. When he parted from me off the 
west of Ireland, and again in the North Sea, the Alliance was steered in 
the trough of the swell, so that the sliip was greatly fatigued in every part, 
but particularly in the cutwater, which was much loosened. At the Texel 
we did all that was possible in such a road to secure the head, but not- 
withstanding, it became necessary to lash it with an hawser, after we got 
clear of the channel. This was, of course, an inducement for me to steer 
sooner for this port than I had otherwise proposed, though I had yet other 
reasons. Among these I may mention that I have found it impossible to 
regain the ti-im of the ship without altering the arrangement of the ballast, 
which I understand Captain Landais has extended along the ceiling from 
the stern-post to the stem ; an idea that I believe he may without vanity 
call his own. Besides, to my great surprise, there is not a good sail, nor, 
I may almost say, a good rope in the Alliance. Even the cables were in 
so wretched a condition, that had it not been for a timely supply of three 
new ones that I ordered from Amsterdam, I should infjillibly have lost the 
ship in the severe weather I found at the Texel. In short, the situation in 
which I found the Alliance appears to me to have been the effect of sloth- 
fulness and ignorance. I procui-ed a second anchor at Corogne, and we 
arrived at Groaix on the 10th, where the ship still remains, the wind not 
permitting her to enter the harbor. From my late fatigues my health is 
rather impaired ; and being also, when we anchored, almost blind with 
sore eyes, I the next evening came up here at the desire of my friends. I 
have found some benefit from the change of air, otherwise I could not now 
have seen to write. 

"As soon as the ship can be brought into Port Louis, we shall begin to 
refit without loss of time. The head, in my opinion, cannot be secured 
without heaving down ; therefore I wish it could be afforded to sheathe 
the bottom with copper, as the ship would be doubly serviceable afterward. 

" I ordered some canvas and cordage from Amsterdam, which did not 
appear before I left the Texel, nor is yet arrived here. As I suppose M. de 
JSTeufville means to send these articles after me, perhaps you will now see 
fit to contradict the order, as I am assured they can be had on as easy 
terms here. T wish to know if I am to apply here, as I do in the mean 
time to Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan ; and the Serapis being arrived here, 
I wish she could be made the property of America. 

"J have the honor to be always, with the highest respect and most 
affectionate esteem, " Your Excellency's most obhged, (fee." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 187 

At L'Orient the commodore learned that rumors were 
circulated to his disadvantage, that he did not like the French 
nation ; in consequence of which he addressed letters to the 
Marquis de la Fayette and to the Duke de la Vauguyon, 
wherein he explains his principles, and vindicates his character. 
These letters place Jones in a very amiable light, demonstrating 
that he was not only a valiant captain and a person of enlarged 
views, but one who felt the miseries incident to war, and was 
desirous of a durable peace on just groimds, as the main object 
of the contest : 

"■L'Orient, February I8tk, 1780. 

" The Hon. General M. le Marquis 
DE La Fayette, &c. 

" I had, dear Marquis, the honor to write you sundry letters before I 
left the Texel : I also wrote you on my arrival at Corogne. I arrived at 
Groaix the 10th, and landed here the day after, almost blind with sore 
eyes, and not otherwise in a very good state of health. I am now a little 
recovered, but it is with difficulty that I can yet look on paper ; — therefoi-e 
I should not at this instant have taken up my pen, had I not this day 
underetood by a friend that my attachment and esteem for this nation had 
been called in question. 

" Withdrawn as I am at present from the public attention, and having 
endeavored only by my past conduct to prove my zeal for the common 
cause, it is strange that I cannot escape the mahcious attacks of little 
minds. If any pei-son who has himself deserved well of his country, can 
accuse me of ingratitude, let him step forth like a man, and I will answer 
in homme d'honneur. M. Weibert has, I understand, taken great pains 
to jjromulgate that I do not love France. He is not surely among the 
most worthy part of the nation, yet he partook both of my pui-se and my 
table, till the moment of separation, after I had provided for him a free 
passage in a ship destined for America, from a situation where he had but 
little danger to apprehend from the enemy. 

" To come to the point, here follows my political profession. I am a 
citizen of the world, totally unfettered by the little mean distinctions of 
country or of cHmate ; which diminish or set bounds to the benevolence 
of the heart. Impelled by principles of gratitude and philanthropy, I 
drew my sword at the beginning of the American Revolution, and when 
France so nobly espoused that great cause, no individual felt the obhgation 



188 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

"with truer gratitude than myself. When the Court of France soon after 
invited me to remain for a time in Europe, I considered myself as highly 
honored by the application that was made to the American commissioners. 
Since that time I have been at every instant, and I still am ready to do 
my utmost for the good of the common cause of France and America. 
As an American officer, and as a man, I affectionately love and respect the 
character and nation of France, and hope the alliance with America may 
]<ast forever. I owe the greatest obligation to the generous j^raises of the 
French nation on my past conduct, and shall be happy to merit future 
favor. I greatly love and esteem his most Christian Majesty as the great 
ally of America, the best of kings, and the amiable friend and ' protector 
of the rights of human nature,' therefore he has very few of his own 
subjects who would bleed in his present cause with greater freedom than 
myself, and none who are more disinterested. At the same time I lament 
the calamities of war, and wish above all things for an honorable, happy, 
and lasting peace. My fortune is not augmented by the part I have 
hitherto acted in the revolution (although I have had frequent opportuni- 
ties of acquiring riches), and I pledge myself to the worthy part of 
mankind, that my future conduct in the war shall not forfeit their good 
opinion. I am ever \\ith great and sincere affection, happy in your 
friendship," &c. 

" I remember such a letter being received. 

" La Fayette. 
" Washington City, February, 1825." 

"■ r Orient, February 18th, 1*780. 
" His Excellency M. le dug De Vauguyon. 
" My Lord, 

" I had the honor of writing to your excellency a day or two before I 
left the Texel, in answer to your very kind letter on the subject of my 
discontent. I sent my letter to the Helder by my pilot, to the care of M. 
le Chevalier de Lirencourt, and I hope it came safe to your hands. I have 
been here since the 10th of this month, bvit being almost blind with sore 
eyes, I could not sooner look on j^apei', otherwise I should not have failed 
to repeat how much I feel the obligation conferred on me by your 
attentions while I remained in Holland. 

" There are, my lord, some of my secret enemies base enough to 
insinuate that I do not love the nation of France ; but be assured that 
though I felt myself hurt by some measures that were adopted towards 
me, and for which I cannot yet see any good reason, yet I have never 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 189 

written, spoken, or even thouo-lit disrespectfully of the nation. On the 
contrary, I owe the greatest obligation to France for the generous friendship 
of the nation towai'ds America, and for the generous praises bestowed on 
my late conduct, which I should be very happy to merit, by future services 
in the common cause. Above all, as an individual I am dee})ly sensible 
of the great honor conferred on me by the personal esteem and ap[iroba- 
tion of the best of kings. I shall through life be happy in every 
circumstance where I can manifest how much I wish to merit his majesty's 
good opinion ; and wdien I thank you in particular, my lord, for the 
affectionate manner in which you connnunicated to me his majesty's 
sentiments in my favor, I speak not words without meaning, but my heart 
overflows with gratitude, and will ever be ambitious to merit your 
friendship. 

" I am with an artless sincerity, my lord," &c. 

By a preceding letter from Commodore Jones, it will have 
been observed that the Alliance required many repairs. Dr. 
Franklin had expected that these would have been made 
without loss of time, and wrote to Jones accordingly. In the 
following letters the cause of the delay will be shown, and that 
no blame could be properly ascribed to the commodore : 

'' Passy, Februmy 19th, ll80. 
" Honorable Capt. Jones. 
Dear Sir, 

"I received yours from Corogne of the 16th past, and from L'Orient of 
the 13th inst. I rejoice that you are safely arrived in France, malgre all 
the pains taken to intercept you. 

" As to refitting your ship at the expense of this court, I must acquaint 
you that there is not the least probability of obtaining it, and therefore I 
cannot ask it. I hear too much already of the extraordinary expense you 
made in Holland to think of proposing an addition to it, especially as you 
seem to impute the damage she has sustained more to Capt. Landais's 
negligence than to accidents of the cruize. The whole expense will there- 
fore fall upon me, and I am ill provided to bear it, having so many 
unexpected calls upon me from all quarters. I therefore beg you would 
have mercy on me, put me to as little charge as possible, and take nothing 
that you can possibly do without. As to sheathing with copper, it is 
totally out of the question. I am not authorised to do it, if I had money ; 



190 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

and I have not money for it, if I had orders. The purchase of the Serapis 
is in the same predicament. I beheve the sending canvas and cordage 
from Amsterdam has ah-eady been forbidden ; if not, I shall forbid it. I 
approve of your applying to Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan for what repairs 
you want, having an exceeding good opinion of those gentlemen ; but let 
me repeat it, for God's sake be sparing, unless you mean to make me a 
bankrupt, or have your drafts dishonored, for want of money in my hands 
to pay them. 

" We are likely to obtain 15,000 stand of good arms from the govern- 
ment. They are much wanted in America. M. de la Fayette has just 
now proposed that you should take them as balkist. You know best if 
this is practicable. 

"Mr. Ross acquaints me that he has 120 bales of public cloth for our 
army, and wishes it may likewise go in the AUiance. Can this be done ? 
It is undoubtedly an article of great necessity ; but I have mentioned to 
him the room required in a ship of war for the men, their provisions, 
water, &c., and the difficulty thence of finding place for goods. You will 
judge of this Ukewise. 

" Mr. Ross also requests to be permitted to take his passage with you. 
As he has been a servant of the States in making their purchases in 
Europe, it seems to me that it would be wrong to refuse him. There is 
also a particular friend of mine, Mr. Samuel Wharton, of Philadelphia, 
who desires to go with you. These gentlemen will doubtless lay in their 
own stores, and pay as customary for their accommodations ; and I am 
pei-suaded you will find them agreeable company. 

" Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard propose also to take their passages in your ship, 
whom I hope you can likewise accommodate. Pray write me immediately 
your sentiments on these particulars, and let me know at the same time 
when you think you can be ready, that I may forward my despatches. 

" I am glad to hear that your indisposition is wearing off. I hope your 
health will soon be re-established, being, with sincere esteem, dear sii\ 
" Your most obedient and most humble servant, 

" B. Franklin." 



" V Orient, February 25tk, 1780. 
" His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 

" I am honored with your Excellency's letter of the 19th. I feel your 
reasons for urging frugality, and as I have not hitherto been among the 
most extravagant servants of America, so you may depend on it my regard 
lor you will make me particularly nice in my present situation. It will 
give me very great pleasure to be able to carry to America the supplies 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 191 

of arms and clothing you mention, and I hope to be able to cram a great 
part, if not the whole, into the Alliance. Should any remain, I hope 
Captain Bell will be able to take them on board the Luzerne, and it is 
likely that he will sail with the Alliance. I will pay the most cheerful 
regard to the accommodation of the four gentlemen that you mention as 
passengers. I hope they will agree together, and I shall be happy in 
showing them attentions. I am in the greatest want of a lieutenant. 
" With the most aftectionate respect and esteem, 

" I am your Excellency's very obliged, humble servant." 

^' Fass2/,Ju7ie 1st, 1180. 
" The Honorable Commodore Jones, Commander of the Alhance ) 
frigate, in the service of the United States. f 

" Sir, 

"I have received a letter from the Board of Admiralty, containing their 
ordei-s for the return of the Alliance, a copy of which is annexed for your 
government ; and I herel;>y direct that you carry the same into execution 
with all possible expedition. 
" With great regard, I am, sir, 

" Your most obedient and most humble servant, 

" B. Franklin." 



" Board of Admiralty, ) 

"■Philadelphia, March 28th, 1780. j 

"His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. 

" Sir, 

" By the annexed list you will perceive the present disposition of the 
continental navy in North America. The detachment of four ships to 
guard the harbor of Charlestown has subjected our coasts to the depreda- 
tions of the enemy's armed vessels from New York, who of late have 
frequently appeared in our bays and made many captures. 

" For these reasons the Board think it will be necessary that the frigate 
Alliance should be forthwith ordered to proceed for this port, and should 
any supplies for our navy be ready in France, a part may be sent in the 
Alliance, and the residue in other armed vessels under her convoy. 
" I have the honor to be, 

" Your Excellency's most obedient servant, 

" By order. " Era, Lewis. 

P. S. — The Board would be highly obliged to your Excellency to send 



192 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

them a set of drafts of the new ships in the royal navy of France for the 
use of our master builders." 



In writing to the President of Congress, on the 4th of March, 
lYSO, Dr. Franklin informs Mr. Huntington that the Commodore 
was to return to America in the Alliance, and elucidates the 
course that liad been taken with respect to the exchange of 
prisoners captured by Jones : — 

"Passy, March 4th, 1780. 

" Samuel Huntington, Esq. President of Congress. 
" Sir, 
" In my last I gave some account of the success of our little squadron 
under Commodore Jones. Three of their prizes sent into Bergen, in 
Norway, were, at the instance of the British minister, seized by order of 
the Court of Denmark, and dehvered up to him. I have, with the 
approbation of the ministry here, drawn up and sent to that Court a 
memorial reclaiming the prizes. In the absence of Captain Landais from 
the Alliance, Commodore Jones took command of her, and on quitting 
the Texel, made a cruize through the Channel to Spain, and is since 
returned to L'Onent, where the ship is now refitting in order to return to 
America. Capt. Laiidais had not a])plied to me to be replaced in her, and 
I imao'ine has no thought of that kind, having before, on several 
occasions, expressed to me and others his dissatisfoction with his officers, 
and his inclination on that account to quit her. Capt. Jones will, 
therefore, carry her home, unless he should be prevailed with to enter 
another service, which, however, I think is not likely ; though he has 
gained immense reputation all over Europe for his bravery. "WTien the 
squadron of Commodore Jones ariived in the Texel with 500 English 
prisonere, I proposed exchanging there, but this was declined, in expecta- 
tion, as I heard from England, of retaking them on their way to France. 
The stay of our ships in Holland, through the favor of the States, being 
prolonged, and the squadrons being stationed to intercept us, being tired 
of cruising for us, the Bi-itish ministry consented at length to a cartel 
with France, and brought Frenchmen to Holland to exchange for these 
prisoners, instead of Americans. These proceedings have occasioned our 
poor people to be kept longer in confinement ; but the minister of mai-ine 
having given orders that I shall have as many English, another cartel 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 193 

-with Americans is now daily expected, and I hope in a few months to see 
them all at liberty. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

"B. Franklin." 



On his visit to Paris the Commodore seems to have enjoyed 
the esteem of the French sovereign in a higher degree than 
ever. He was received with the utmost distinction at Court, 
and the following letter from M. de Sartine to the President of 
Congress, testifies that the l^ing voluntarily presented him with 
a superb sword, and proposed to Congress to decorate him with 
the Order of Military Merit, a proposition which that body 
assented to : — 

From M. De Sartine to Mr. Huntington, President of the Congress of 
the United States. 

''Versailles, May SO fh, 1780. 

"Commodore Paul Jones, after having shown to all Europe, and 
particularly to the enemies of France and the United States, the most 
unquestionable proofs of his valor and talents, is about returning to 
America to give an account to Congress of the success of his military 
operations. I am convinced. Sir, that the reputation he has so justly 
acquired will precede him, and tliat the recital of his actions alone v/il! 
suffice to prove to his fellow citizens that his abilities are equal to his 
coiu'age. But the king has thought proper to add his suftrage and 
attention to the public opinion. He has expressly charged me to inform 
you how perfectly he is satisfied with the services of the Commodore,^ 
persuaded that Congress will render him the same justice. He has 
oftered, as a proof of his esteem, to present him with a sword which 
cannot be placed in better hands, and likewise proposes to Congress to 
decorate this brave officer with the Cross of Mihtary Merit. His ]\Iajesty 
conceives that this particular distinction, by holding forth the same honors 
to the two nations, united by the same interests, will be looked upon as 
one tie more that connects them, and will support that emulation which is 
so precious to the common cause. If, after having approved the conduct 
of the Commodore, it should be thought proper to give him the command 
of any new expedition to Europe, his Majesty mil receive him again with 
pleasure, and presumes that Congress will oppose nothing that may be 

13 



194 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

judged expedient to secure the success of his enterprises. My personal 
esteem for him induces me to recommend him very particularly to you, 
Sir, and I dare flatter myself that the reception he will receive from 
Congress and you, will warrant the sentiments with which he has 
inspired me. 

"I have the honor of being, &c. 

"De Sartine." 

The following resolution of Congress shoM^s the sense of that 
exalted body of the services rendered bj Commodore Jones, 
and permits his accej^tance of the Cross of Military Merit 
ojffered to him by His Most Christian Majesty : — 

"In Congress, February 2lth, 1781. 
"The Committee to whom was referred the letter of May 30th, 1*780, 
from M. de Sartine, delivered in a report, whereupon 

'■'■Resolved, That the Congress entertain a high sense of the distinguished 
bravery and military conduct of John Paul Jones, Esq. captain in the navy 
of the United States, and particularly in his victory over the British frigate 
Serapis on the coast of England, which was attended with circumstances 
so biiUiant as to excite general applause and admiration : 

" That the minister plenipotentiary of these United States at the Court 
of Vei-sailles, communicate to His Most Christian Majesty the high satis- 
faction Congress have received from the conduct and gallant behavior of 
Captain John Paul Jones, which have merited the attention and approba- 
tion of His Most Christian Majesty, and that His Majesty's offer of 
adorning Captain Jones with a Cross of Military Merit is highly acceptable 
to Congress. 

[Extract from the minutes.] 

"C. Thompson, Secretary.'^ 

In consequence M. de la Luzerne gave a fete to all the mem- 
bers of Congress, and to the principal inhabitants of Philadel- 
phia, and in their presence he, in the name of His Majesty, 
invested the Commodore with tlie Order of Military Merit. 

The naval means of America in 1780 were exceedingly- 
limited, and the necessity of detaching four ships to guard the 
harbor of Charleston, rendered it expedient to recall the Alli-^ 



LIFE OF JOHN PACL JOXES. 195 

ance to the United States to aid in the protection of the coasts 
from the depredations of the enemy's armed vessels, especially 
from New York, whence they cruised in the bays of the con- 
tinent, making a number of captm-es. An order was despatched 
by the Board of Admiralty, on the 28th of March, 1780, to our 
minister in France to send the Alliance home, which order Dr. 
Franklin communicated to Commodore Jones on the 1st of 
June, 1T80, On the same day that minister prepared and 
gave to the Commodore the annexed unequivocal letter of 
approbation : 

'■'■Passy, June 1, 1780. 
" Samuel Huntington, Esq. President of Congress. 
" Sir, 
" Commodore Jones, who by his bravery and conduct has done great 
honor to the American flag, desires to have that also of presenting a Kne 
to the hands of your Excellency. I cheerfully comply with his request, 
in recommending him to the notice of Congress and to your Excellency's 
protection, though his actions are more effectual recommendations, and 
render any from me unnecessary. It gives me, however, an opportunity 
of showing my readiness to do justice to merit, and of professing the 
esteem and resjject with which I am, &c. 

" B. Franklin." 

On the 30th of May, Dr. Franklin had wi'itten to M. de 
Sartine for the purpose of ascertaining whether his Majesty 
would consent that one of his vessels should accompany the 
Alliance for the conveyance of supplies for the United States. 
In reply, on the 30th of June, M. de Sartine intimated the 
king's willingness, and assured the American minister that 
directions had been given at L'Orient to aiford to Commodore 
Jones every facility that he might require for his armament 
and departure. The Commodore had stated to M. de Sartine, 
that seamen for the additional vessel might be obtained from 
the Alliance. 



196 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

On the 28th of June, 1780, M. de Sartine addressed a very 
flattering letter to Commodore Jones, apprising him that the 
Cross of the Institution of Military Merit, agreeably to the 
king's previous determination, was enclosed in a despatch to 
M. de la Luzerne, the minister of France near the United 
States, of which Jones was to be the bearer, and with which 
cross he was to be invested by a chevalier of the order as soon 
as Congress had assented to his acceptance of it. M. de Sar- 
tine likewise informed him that His Majesty had directed a 
golden headed sword to be made for him, which would be 
immediately delivered to him. Tlie letter is in the following 
words : — ■ 

" Versailles, June 28tk, 1180. 

" Mr. Paul Jones, Commodore in tlie Navy 
of the United States of America. 
" Sir, 
" The king has already testified his approbation of the zeal and valor 
which you have displayed in Europe, in support of the common cause 
between the United States and his majesty, and he has also informed you 
of the distinguished proofs he is disposed to give you thereof. Persuaded 
that the United States will give their consent that you should receive the 
cross of the institution of Military Merit, I send you in the packet addressed 
to M. de la Luzerne, the one designed for you. You will be pleased to 
deliver him this packet, and he will confer on you this distinction by a 
chevalier of the institution, agreeably to his majesty's orders. But at any 
rate that you should have a proof of the king's approbation and munifi- 
cence, his majesty has ordered a gold headed sword to be made for you, 
which will be immediately delivered to you, and he has the greatest 
confidence in the use you will make of it for his glory and that of the 
United States. I have the honor, &c. 

"De Sartine.*' 



Commodore Jones was extremely grateful for the marks of 
distinction thus conferred upon him, and expressed his feelings 
in the most fervent manner in his correspondence with his 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 197 

friends. To one of them, Mr, Genet, he wrote under date of 
the 19th of July, 1780, " I am bound by gratitude and honor 
to give every proof in my power of my affection to France. 
Tell M. de Sartine, and the rest of the king's ministers, that I 
would rather be shot to death than suffered to pine away in 
idleness, while our glorious cause is undetermined. I shall not 
die happy, unless they give me an opportunity to prove by my 
actions how much I wish always to merit the favor of the king, 
his ministers, and the nation. My best wishes will ever attend 
my friends in this kingdom, for their liberal minds do honor to 
human nature." 

Arrived at L' Orient, from Paris, Jones found that Landais, 
who seemed to be his evil genius, had, in his absence, excited a 
refractory disposition in the crew of the Alliance, which had 
the effect of preventing the commodore from taking the com- 
mand of that frigate, and obliged him to sail for America on 
board the Ariel. The board of admiralty afterward took 
cognizance of the dispute between Commodore Jones and 
Captain Landais : and having propounded questions to Dr. 
Franklin, in order to elicit information, that minister answered 
them, explained the circumstances which had occasioned so 
much chagrin to Jones, and produced the unprofitable 
dissensions between him, Landais, and the crew of the Alliance. 
With his answers was forwarded a copy of the " concwdat^'* 
the signing of which Jones so deeply regretted, and from which 
sprmig almost all his disagreements with Captain Landais, and 
M. Le Eay de Chaumont. The former, he conceived, had 
availed himself of the community of interests established by 
the " concordat^'' to treat his orders with contempt, and the 
latter he thought had not acted correctly towards him in relation 
to the prizes taken from the enemy. In illustrating more 
particularly the sources of all the commodore's disquietudes, a 
date is here anticipated, to lay at once before the reader Dr. 



198 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

FranMin's letter and answers to the board of Admiralty, and a 
copy of the " concordat^'' which will render more intelligible 
the allusions in some of Jones's letters written previously to that 
of Dr. Franklin to Francis Lewis, Esq. 

''Passy, March 1Y<A, IY8I. 

"Francis Lewis, Esq., and the Board of Admii-alty. 
" Gentlemen, 

" I received the honor of yours, dated January the 2d, containing 
sundry questions relative to the ship AUiance, and the expedition under 
the command of John Paul Jones, Esq. 

"I would remark as to the expedition in general that this court having, 
I suppose, some enterprise in view, which Captain Jones, who had signal- 
fzed his bravery in taking the Drake, was thought a proper person to 
conduct, had soon after the action requested we would spare him to them, 
which was the more readily agi-eed to, as a difference subsisted between 
him and his lieutenant, which laid us under a difficulty that was by this 
means got over. Some time passed, however, before any steps were taken 
to employ him in a manner agreeable to him, and possibly the firet project 
was laid aside, many difficulties attending any attempt of introducing a 
foreign officer into the French marine, as it disturbs the order of their 
promotion, &c., and he himself choosing to act rather under the commis- 
sion of Congress. However, a project was at length found, by furnishing 
him with some of the king's ships, the officers of which were to have 
temporary American commissions, which being posterior in date to his 
commission, would put them naturally under his command for the time, 
and the final intention, after various changes, was to intercept the Baltic 
fleet : the Alliance was, at that time, under orders to carry Mr. Adams 
back to America, but the minister of the marine, by a written letter, 
requesting I would lend her to strengthen the little squadron, and offering 
a passage to Mr. Adams in one of the King's ships, I consented to their 
request, hoping that, besides obhg-ing the minister, I might obtain the 
disposition of some prisoners, to exchange for our countrymen in England." 

Questions of the Admiralty Board, rcsjiectiny the squadron under the 
Chevalier John Paul Jones, answered. 

" Question. Whether any agreement was made by you, or any person 
in your behalf, with the owners of the ships concerted with the Alliance in 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 199 

that expedition, respecting the shares they were severally to draw of the 
prizes which might be taken during that expedition ? 

" Answer. I never made such an agreement, nor any person in my 
behalf. I lent the Alliance to the King, simply at the minister's request, 
supposing it would be agreeable to Congress to oblige their ally; and 
that the division, if there should be anything to divide, would be according 
to the laws of France, or of America, as should be found most equitable. 
But the Captains, before they sailed, entered into an agreement, called the 
concordat, to divide according to the rules of America, as they acted under 
American commissions and colors. 

" Ques. What ordei-s were given to Captain Landais ? 

" Ans. That he should obey the orders of Captain Jones. 

" Ques. What was the ground of the disputes between Captain Jones 
and him ? 

" Ans. That when at sea together, he refused to obey Captain Jones's 
orders. 

" Ques. Why did the Alliance lay so long at Port L'Orient after her 
arrival there from the Texel, and in general every information in your 
power respecting the Alliance and the expedition referred to? 

" Ans. Her laying so long at L'Orient was first occasioned by the 
mutinous disposition of the officers and men, who refused to raise the 
anchors until they should receive wages and prize-money. I did not con- 
ceive they had a right to demand payment of wages in a foreign country, 
or anywhere but at the port they came from, no one here knowing on 
what terms they were engaged, what they had received, or what was due 
to them. The prize-money I wished them to have, but as that could not 
soon be obtained, I thought it wrong in them to detain the vessel on that 
account, and as I was informed many of them were in want of necessaries, 
I advanced 24,000 livres on account, and put it into Captain Jones's 
hands to relieve and [)acify them, that they might go more willingly. 
But they were encouraged by some meddhng passengers to persist. The 
King would have taken the ]irizes, and paid for them, at the rate per gun, 
(fee, as he pays for warlike vessels taken by his ships ; but they raised a 
clamor at this, it being put into their heads that it was a project for cheat- 
ing them, and they demanded a sale by auction. The minister, who 
usually gives more when ships are taken for the King than they will pro- 
duce by auction, readily consented to this, when I asked it of him ; but 
then this method required time to have them inventoried, advertised in 
different ports, to create a fuller concurrence of buyers, &c. ; Captain Jones 
came up to Paris to hasten the proceedings ; in his absence Ca])t. Landais, 
by the advice of Mr. Lee and Commodore Gillon, took possession of the 
ship, and kept her long in writing up to Paris, Avaiting answers, &c. 



200 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 



" As the ministry had reasons, if some of the first plans had been 
pursued, to wish the expedition might be understood as American, the 
instructions were to be given by me, and the outfit was committed to 
Monsieur de Chaumont, known to be one of our friends, and well 
acquainted with such affairs. Monsieur le Marquis de la Fayette, who 
was to have been concerned in the execution, can probably acquaint you 
with those reasons ; if not, I shall do it hereafter. It afterward continued 
in the hands of M. de Chaumont to the end. I never paid or received a 
farthing, directly or indirectly, on account of the expedition ; and the 
captains having made him their trustee and agent, it is to him they are 
to apply for their proportions of the captures," 

Concordat made betioeen Captain John Paul Jones and the officers of 

the Squadron. 

" Agreement betw^een Messieurs John Paul Jones, captain of the Bon 
homme Richard ; Pierre Landais, captain of the Alliance ; Dennis Nicolas 
Cottmeau, captain of the Pallas ; Joseph Verage, captain of the Stagg ; 
and PhiUp Nicolas Ricot, captain of the Vengeance ; composing a 
squadron that shall be commanded by the oldest officer of the highest 
gTade, and so on in succession in case of death or retreat. None of the 
said commanders, whilst they are not separated from the said squadron, 
by order of the minister, shall act but by virtue of the brevet, which they 
shall have obtained from the United States of America, and it is agreed 
that the flag of the United States shall be displayed. 

" The division of the prizes to the superior officei-s and crews of the 
said squadron, shall be made agreeable to the American laws ; but it is 
agreed, that the proportion of the whole, coming to each vessel in the 
squadi'on, shall be regulated by the minister of the marine department 
of France, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of 
America, 

" A copy of the American laws shall be annexed to the present 
agreement, after having been certified by the commander of the Bon 
homme Richard ; but as the said laws cannot foresee nor determine as to 
what may concern the vessels and subjects of other nations, it is expressly 
agreed, that whatever may be contrary to them should be regulated by 
the minister of the French marine, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the 
United States of America. 

" It is likewise agreed that the orders given by the Minister of the 
French Marine, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, shall 
be executed. 

" Considering the necessity there is of preserving the interests of each 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 201 

individual, the prizes that shall be taken shall be remitted to the orders 
of Monsieur Le Ray de Chaumont, honorary intendant of the Royal Hotel 
of Invalids, who has furnished the expenses of the armament of the said 
squadron. 

" It has been agreed, that M. le Ray de Chaumont be requested not to 
give up the part of the prizes coming to all the crews, and to each 
indi\'idual of the said squadron, but to their order, and to be responsible 
for the same in his own and proper name. 

" Whereas the said squadron has been formed for the purpose of 
injuring the common enemies of France and America, it has been agreed 
that such armed vessels, whether French or American, may be associated 
therewith by common consent, as shall be found suitable for the purpose, 
and that they shall have such proportion of the prizes which shall be 
taken, as the laws of their respective countries allow them. 

" In case of the death of any of the before mentioned commanders of 
vessels, he shall be replaced agreeably to the order of the tariff, with 
liberty, however, for the successor to choose whether he will remain on 
board his o\vn vessel, and give up to the next in order the command of 
the vacant ship. 

" It has moreover been agreed, that the commander of the Stag shall 
be excepted from the last article of this present agreement, because in case 
of a disaster to M. de Varage it shall be replaced by his second in 
command, and so on by the other officers of his cutter the Stag. 

"J.P.Jones, 
"P. Landais, 
" De Cottineau, 
'' De Varage, 
" Le Ray de Chaumont, 

" P. RiCOT." 

The controversy between Commodore Jones and Captain 
Landais, respecting the command of the Alliance, was, as Jones 
believed, secretly fomented by Mr. Arthur Lee, who, acting as 
an umpire in the case, assigned the command of the frigate 
to Landais. The annexed letter from that gentleman to 
Commodore Jones will explain his avowed reasons for this 
preference : 

'T Orient, June I3th, 1780. 
" Captain J. P. Jones. 
" Sir, 

" When you showed me yesterday the authorities under which you 



202 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

conceive you had a riglit to command the AlUance frigate, I told you it 
was not in my power to give you an opinion upon them without seeing 
those of Captain Landais ; and that I would not give an opinion in this 
matter but in writing. Since that I have seen the authorities of Captain 
Landais, and I now shall state them both, with my opinion upon them ; 
which I hope may be of use in ]n-eventing any ftirther contest, which 
cannot but be disgraceful and injurious to the service, as well as to those 
who are in the wrong. 

"The authorities you showed me, consisted of a commission from 
Congress appointing you a captain in the marine of the United States, 
and a late order from Dr. Franklin to you to take command of the 
Alliance, and carry her where she is ordered by the Admiralty. This 
order from Dr. Franklin does not recite or allege any power from Congress 
to take the command from Captain Landais, and put anothei- in his place. 

" The authorities Captain Landais laid before me, were a commission 
from Congress, like yours, appointing him captain in the service ; — a 
resolve of Congress giving him the command of the Alliance frigate ; and 
a letter of instructions for that purpose from the Marine Committee. 

" From these documents it is clear, beyond a possibility of doubt, that 
Captain Landais commands that ship under the full, direct, and express 
order of Congress ; and that no such authority appears to dismiss him 
from the command. In this situation Captain Landais must answer at 
his peril for the frigate entrusted to him till he receives an order of 
Congress to deliver her to another. If any such order exists, those who 
have it do infinite wrong to the service in not producing it, to prevent any 
disturbance. If there is no such order, the subjects of the United States 
who attempt to divest Captain Landais of the command he holds from 
the sovereign power, or to disturb him by violence in the exercise of it, 
commit a high crime against the laws and sovereignty of the United 
States, and subject themselves to a proportionable punishment. 

" This, Sir, is my opinion founded upon a cool and candid consideration 
of the authorities on both sides ; which alone ought to determine our 
judgment and our actions. You are at liberty to show this letter to whom 
you please, or to send it to Dr. Franklin. Should it prevail upon you to 
urge this matter no farther till you know whether there is authority of 
Congress for what you are doing, I shall think I have rendered no less 
service to you personally, in 2)reventing you from committing a rash and 
illegal action, than to the public, the honor of which must be committed 
by such a contest in a foreign port. When I see such things threatened, 
my duty to my country, and the love of law and order, call upon me to 
do whatever is in my power to prevent them. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

"Arthur Lee." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 203 

Mr. Lee, however, was unquestionably in the wrong. Landais 
had resigned the command of the Alliance, had requested and 
obtained money from Dr. Franklin to repair to America, under 
the pretext of having his conduct investigated, and Jones had 
received instructions both from Dr. Franklin and the court of 
France, to cany the frigate back to the United States. An 
order, in fact, was issued by the French minister of marine to 
stop the sailing of the Alliance, if she attempted to proceed 
under the directions of Landais. But Commodore Jones, justly 
apprehending the consequences of violent measures, declined 
employing the means within his power to prevent her departure. 
Jones himself attributed the partiality of Mr. Lee for Landais 
to improper motives. " I am convinced," said he in a letter to 
Mr. Mon-is, of the 2Tth of June, 1780, " that Mr. Lee has acted 
in this matter merely because I would not become the enemy 
of the venerable, the wise, and good Franklin, whose heart and 
head does, and always will do honor to human nature. I know 
the great and good in this kingdom better, perhaps, than any 
other American who has appeared in Europe since the treaty 
of alliance : and if my testimony would add anything to 
Franklin's reputation, I could witness the universal veneration 
and esteem with which his name inspires all ranks, not only at 
Yersailles and all over this kingdom, but also in Spain and in 
Holland : and I can add, from the testimony of the first 
characters of other nations, that, with him, envy itself is dumb, 
when the name of Franklin is but mentioned." 

Dr. Franklin was aware of Mr. Lee's proceedings. He luid 
given directions that he should luive a passage home to America 
in the Alliance ; but on learning that he had been instrumental 
in promoting disaffection among the crew, he wrote to Jones, 
revoking the order : 



204: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

''Passy, June llth, 1780. 
" Honorable Commodore Jones, 
"Sir, 
" Having been informed by several gentlemen of and from UOrient, 
that it is there generally understood the meeting on board your ship has 
been advised or promoted by the Hon. Arthur Lee, Esq. whom I had 
ordt^^red you to receive as a passenger ; I hereby withdraw that order so 
far as to leave the execution of it to your discretion ; that if from the 
circumstances which have come to your knowledge, it should appear to 
you, that the peace and good government of the ship dui-ing the voyage 
may be endangei'ed by his presence, you may decline taking that gentle- 
man ; which, I apprehend, need not obstruct his return to America, as 
there are several ships going uijder your convoy, and no doubt many of 
their passengers may be prevailed with to change places. But if you 
judge these suspicions groundless, you will comply with the order 
aforesaid. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" B. Franklin." 

Jones was the more mortified at the delay which these 
bickerings occasioned in the sailing of the Alliance, as she had 
on board stores for the use of the United States, which were 
much wanted for the supply of the American army. In a 

letter to Madame T- , of the 24th of July, 1780, he 

adverted to the affair between himself and Landais in the 
following manner : — 

''L' Orient, July 24th, 1780. 

" Madam. 

" When you did me the honor to ask my promise to write to you a par- 
ticular account of my services in this revolution and of my late expedition, I 
thought myself very happy indeed in enjoying that pleasing proof of your 
attention ; and it was my tirm intention to have fulfilled my promise with 
you on that head, immediately after my return here. Had I undertaken 
to write my own history to a lady of a less elevated mind than Madame 

T , I should have run too great a risk, especially in what relates to 

my last battle ; many circumstances of which are not yet known to the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 205 

world, and are of such a nature as not to be believed by an ordinary mind 
upon the evidence of an individual. With you, Madam, I have not the 
remotest doubt, and the exti-aordinary event that took place here with 
respect to the Alliance is the only reason that has withheld my pen. I 
confess to you I feel rather ashamed that such an event should have 
happened, although God knows it was not owing- to any fault of mine. 
The true reason wa.s, M. le Ray de Chaumont unjustly detained from the 
brave Amei-icans who had so well served in the squadron under my 
command, not only their wages but also their prize-money ; and he has not, 
even to this hour, given the means of paying them their just claims. 
One or two envious persons here, taking advantage of these circumstances, 
persuaded these poor people that I had joined with M. de Chaumont to 
detain from them their just dues ; and that it was besides my intention 
to cany them on new expeditions in Europe, and not to sufter them to 
return to their families in America during the war. These insinuations 
were false and groundless. I had disapproved the conduct of M. le Ray 
de Chaumont so much as neither to speak nor write to him after ray 
return to France. My sole business at Court was to obtain the free sale 
of the prizes, which I effected. And far from being then bound on new expe- 
ditions in Europe, I was ordered by the Board of Admiralty in America to 
return forthwith to Congress, and had in consequence received the public 
despatches both from Mr. Franklin and the Court. The Alliance, 
however, was hurried out of this port before the crew had time for 
reflection; yet before they sailed from the Road of Groaix many of them, 
seeing their error, refused to weigh anchor, and were carried to sea confined 
hands and feet in irons. The government of France had taken measures 
to stop the ship, but I interposed to prevent bloodshed between the subjects 
of the two allied nations. I am now again almost ready to sail in the 
Ariel, and I know, soon after my arrival in America, that Congress will 
render me impartial justice. I will then have the happiness to furnish 
you with the account I promised, and the circumstances will be supported 
Joy the fullest evidence. I dare promise that it will then appear that I 
have only been to blame for having returned here from Paris, without 
having insisted absolutely on the previous payment of my men. Money 
is essential in war : in love, you will tell me perhaps, the case may be 
otherwise. I have still in contemplation to return to France soon after I 
arrive in America, for I have the most ardent desire to give the court, the 
nation, and my friends, farther proofs of my gratitude by my services 
in the glorious cause of freedom that France has so nobly espoused 
in concert with America. The singular honors I have lately received 
from the king have made the deepest and most lasting impression on my 
heart, and it shall be my constant care to deserve the continuance of His 



206 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Majesty's esteem. Although my departure is near, yet I hope to have the 
honor of a letter fi-ora you, before I sail. I hope my conduct will always 
merit your good opinion, and that you will honor me in consequence 
with your attention, and permit me to consider you as one of my 
best friends. 

" I am. Madam, 

" With the most profound respect, yours, <fec." 



As the name of the Alliance and that of Capt. Landais have 
been frequently introduced into this volume, in connexion with 
the occurrences incident to the life of Commodore Jones, it may 
not be unacceptable to the reader to be made more particularly 
acquainted with the history of the captain and of the ship. The 
only account of the former, within the reach of the author, is from 
the pen of Commodore Jones — and, as it is fi*om that som-ce, 
should be received with some degree of caution. In a memo- 
randum, dated at Versailles, on the 17th of June, 1Y80, Jones 
stated, that, " When the treaty of alliance with France arrived 
in America, Congress, feeling the most lively sentiments of 
gratitude towards France, thought how they might manifest the 
satisfaction of the continent by some public act. The finest 
frigate in the service was on the stocks, ready to be launched, 
and it was resolved to call her the Alliance. M. Landais, a 
French subject, who had then arrived in America from France 
as master of a merchant ship laden with public stores, had 
reported that he had been a captain in the royal navy of France, 
had commanded a ship of the line, been a chief officer of the 
port of Brest, and was of such worth and estimation for his 
great abilities that he could have had any honors or advance- 
ment in his own country that he pleased to accept ; but that 
his desire to serve America had induced him to leave his own 
country, and even to refuse to receive the Cross of St. Louis, 
that he might be at liberty to abj ure the religion of his fore- 
fathers, which he did accordingly. Congress, believing M. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 207 

Landais to be in high esteem at the Court of Yersailles, and 
thinking with reason that it would give pleasure to His Majesty 
to find that one of his worthy subjects had been treated with 
distinction in America, appointed him captain of the Alliance." 

Capt. Landais was well known to the citizens of the United 
States, especially during the latter years of his life. He died 
on Long Island in the State of New York. For a considerable 
time prior to his death he was an annual petitioner to Congress, 
on whose sessions he often attended, to urge his claim for 
indemnity on account of his portion of the prize-money which 
ought to have accrued from three prizes sent into Norway, 
whilst he was in command of the Alliance in Europe. His 
temper, even in old age, appeared to be severe ; for whilst at 
Washington he could not avoid betraying his irritability. A 
remarkable instance of this unhappy constitutional excitability 
is related of him with respect to a member of Congress who 
had spoken rather slightingly of him. Landais dressed himself 
in his uniform with a small sword by his side, and repaired to 
the gallery of the House of Representatives, when in session ; 
indicating thereby, as well as in conversation with his actpiaint- 
ances, that he was prepared to give any gentleman satisfaction 
who might be offended with him. He afterwards observed, 
quoting a remark ascribed to Henry IV. of France, that " if 
there was bad blood in Congress he would draw it." He 
affirmed to the last, that he, and not Jones, captured the Sera- 
pis, attributing her surrender entirely to his having raked her 
from the Alliance, — about which the reader has seen that his 
assertion was entirely void of foundation. 

On the 2d of August, 1780, Jones addressed the following 
letter to the Count de Vergennes, and a similar one to the 
Count de Maurepas. The contents denote the activity of his 
mind, his continual anxiety for the fiu'therance of the American 
cause, and his accurate views of the best method of annoying 



208 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the enemy. Of the ideas or plan to which he aUudes in this 
letter there is no written statement in possession of the author, 
farther than what is contained in the answer of the Count de 
Maurepas which is subjoined : — 

'■'■ L' Orient, August Id, 1Y80. 
'* Ilis Excellency M. le Compte de Vergennes, &c. 
" My Lord, 

" I should be unworthy of the illustrious marks that I have lately 
received of the royal favor, if I were not constantly impressed with the 
most ardent zeal to merit the continuance of his majesty's approbation, by 
an invariable attention to the mutual interests of France and America. 
Although my departure for America has been protracted by unforeseen 
events, it is not yet too late for government to pray the Congress that I 
may, during the remainder of this war, be constantly employed on active 
and useful services, tending to distract and distress the common enemy. 
After having been so higlily honored by the kind attentions of the king's 
ministers, and their approbation of my poor services, I am conxinced that 
I shall still find such support and protection from this government, as may 
enable me to jirove my gratitude by my future actions. 

" Since I had the honor of laying before your excellency, in the month 
of May last, my project for future expeditions, the events of the war have 
not so altered circumstances as to render my ideas inexpedient: on the 
contrary, the farther the war advances, I am the more confirmed in the 
utility that would result to the common cause from such services as I have 
therein hinted at. I was then liappy in finding that your excellency 
approved of my ideas : It is therefore that I now enclose a copy, which I 
beseech your excellency to reconsider and lay before his majesty's privy 
council. If such expeditions as I wish to command were to be fitted out 
in America, I might be able with the greater certainty to strike the firet 
blow by a complete surprise. Before the fleet of his majesty sailed from 
Brest the first time, under Count D'Orvilliei's, M. de Chaumont told me it 
was the desire of government to have my ideas on private expeditious in 
writing. I gave him with great pleasure many ideas, from my long 
knowledge of the enemy's trade and situation, that might have proved of 
great advantage to our cause, and I wish M. de Chaumont had given all 
my then ideas to the coui-t, although I am told he has taken credit 
for some of them as his oum. I am now nearly ready for the sea with his 
majesty's sloop of war the Ariel, and I should be happy to carry with me 
to Congress the interest of this government for my ])romotion ; but 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 209 

especially that I may be henceforth constantly employed in the most 
active and enterprising services, with such a force under my command as 
may enable me effectually to promote the interest of our glorious cause. 
This, my lord, would be my supreme ambition, actuated by no mean 
views of self-interest, but inspired by the purest principles of gratitude and 
philanthropy. It is upon this ground alone that I depend on the constant 
protection of the king, your excellency, and this government. 

" It is absolutely necessary, my lord, to destroy the foreign commerce 
of the English, especially their trade to the Baltic, from whence they draw 
all the supplies for their marine. It is equally necessary to alarm their 
coasts, not only in the colonies abroad, but even in their islands at home. 
These things would distress and distract the enemy much more than 
many battles between fleets of equal force. England has carried on the 
war against America in a far more barbarous form than she duret have 
adopted against any power of Europe. America has a right to retaliate ; 
and by our having the same language and customs with the enemy, we 
are in a situation to surprise their coasts and take such advantage of their 
unguarded situation, under the flag of America, as can never be done 
under the flag of France. This is not theory, for I ha^•e proved it by my 
experience ; and if I have opportunity I will yet prove it more fully. 

" I shall be happy, my lord, to be honored with your excellency's 
determination as soon as possible, as I purpose to proceed with tlie utmost 
expedition to Philadelphia, and as there is no time to lose in preparing for 
the operations of the next campaign. 

" I am, my lord, your excellency's most obhged, 

" Most obedient, and most humble servant." 



" Versailles, August 15th, 1780. 
" Com. Paul Jones. 
" Sir, 
" I have received with great pleasure, and read with attention, the lette? 
wrote me the 2d instant from L'Orient. I have remarked therein the 
continuation of your zeal for the common cause. I have examined and 
communicated to M. de Sartine the project annexed to your letter, and we 
have no manner of doubt of the good effect that Avould result, were it 
entrusted to you. But at present it could not be said what number of 
frigates might be employed, they being all actually armed on account of 
the king, and the plan of the approaching campaign is not yet sufficiently 
determined, positively to say how many fi'lgates may be given to you. 
But this need not prevent, if you have the consent of Congi-ess, the 
execution of the first part of your scheme, to come here as you propose 

14 



210 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

witli the Alliance, and the other vessels which you may have, and with a 
sufficient American crew to arm the frigates which may join you. I will 
endeavor here to secure some for you, or to substitute privateers in their 
place. This is all I can inform you of for the present. The conduct you 
have observed, and the zeal you have shown for the service, must assure 
you of the readiness with which I shall always aid any enterprise in which 
you may be concerned. Be assured, sir, of the desire I have of rendering 
you any service, and convincing you of the sentiments with which, 

"I am, &c. 

" Maurepas." 



On tlie 21st of September tlie commodore replied to the 
Comit de Maurepas evincing the same resohite spirit of 
perseverance in the canse of American Lidependence, for 
which, from his first entrance into the service, he had been 
remarkable : 



''Ariel, Groaix, Septemher 2\st, lYSO. 

" His Excellency M. le Compte -de 
Maurepas, &c. 

" Mr Lord, 
" I received in its due course the letter that your excellency condescended 
to write me from Versailles the 15th ult., I having been detained in this 
road by contrary and stormy winds ever since the 4th current. I have 
postponed writing to you until I could tell you at the same time, the wind 
being fair, that I was immediately about to depart. The prospect is 
become promising this evening, and I hope to set sail to-morrow. My 
lord, I want words to express my thanks for your very kind letter ; but it 
shall be the ambition of my life to merit your excellency's protection, and 
to exert all my abilities, such as they are, with double ardor, to prove my 
grateful attachment and zeal for the glory and interest of the king, his 
ministers, and this generous minded nation. By the four late ships that 
are arrived at L'Oricnt from Philadelphia, I learn that the Congress and 
all America were warmly my friends. This cannot but afford me real 
satisfaction as a citizen of America ; and more especially because I shall 
be the better able to accomplish the first part of my project, agreeable to 
your excellency's proposal, — by pro\nding the frigates and men in question 
in America, which -will I fondly hope enable me effectually to promote the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 211 

glory and success of the common cause. With the most hvely sentiments 
of esteem and respect, I am, 

" My lord," &c. 

Commodore Jones proceeded from L'Orient to Groaix, on 
the 4:tli of September, and was detained in tliat road, by storms 
and contrary winds, until tlie Yth of October, 1780, when he 
put to sea in the Ariel the first time. She had the misfortune 
to be dismasted, which occasioned his return. To the dangers 
he escaped, he alludes in a letter to Dr. E. Bancroft, of the ITth 

of October : 

« 

''L'Orient, October 11 th, 1780. 
"E. Bancroft, Esq. 
" Dear Sir, 

" I am, my dear Sir, returned to France without laurels, and which is 
worse, without having been able to render service to our cause. I must 
refer you to Count de Vauban, the bearer of this letter, for a description 
of the late storm. I shall 'only say, it far exceeded all my former ideas of 
tempest. We must console ourselves that no lives were lost, — an event 
remarkably fortunate under such circumstances. You have no doubt 
received news from America. I have seen some of the papei-s, but find 
nothing very agreeable, except the address of the assembly of Rhode 
Island to the Count de Rochambeau and the answer. Mr. Wharton and 
myself w'ould be glad to hear from you anything you find interesting. 
Lee had reached Philadelphia the night before one of Captain IlnU's 
passengers left it ; but we know nothing fjirther, except that no guns were 
fired, no bells were rung, nor bonfires made in consequence of so great an 
event ! Your aflliirs are dry and safe, though many of our things are 
damaged, I mean our clothing and books, &c. Part of the powder, ai-ms, 
and bread, &c. are wet. Count de Vauban behaved remarkably well, and 
appears to me to be a very worthy chai-acter. He is determined to use 
his interest with the Duke de Orleans, that the Terpsicore may be 
substituted for the Ariel. 

" I am not less a friend now than I was formerly to Madam Chaumont 
and her family. Pray have you seen my fair friend the Countess of N. — ■■ 
she is, I underetand, returned from Aix, and I am very anxious to hear ■ 
from her. 

" I am," &c. 



212 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

A more particular account of this calamity is contained in 
the following document : 



" We, the officers of the ship of war Ariel, in the ser\'ice of the United 
States of America, do hereby declare, that hanng been detained in the 
road of Groaix by stormy and contrary winds from the 4th uh., so that it 
was impossible to proceed on our voyage to America before the ^th 
current ; we on that day weighed anchor at 2 in the afternoon, the wind 
being at N.N.W. and the weather having a very good appearance. We 
had under convoy two brigantines belonging to America, named the Duke 
of Leinster and Luke, partly laden with public stores, and one lugger 

named the , belonging to France. In the night the wind fell very 

moderate, and the weather was very serene. At — o'clock in the morning 
of the 8th the wind sprung up a moderate breeze at S. by W. At 8 
o'clock the island of Groaix bore by comptiss N.E. by E. distance 5 leagues. 
It was then squally weather with showers of rain, the wind at S. by W., 
and immediately afterward we lost sight of the land. The weather became 
very thick and the wind increased. By this time the storm had become 
so violent that the lee fore yard-arm was frequently under water. The lee 
gangway was laid entirely under the water, and the lee side of the waist 
was full. The water in the hold flowed into the cockpit, notwithstanding 
the utmost efforts of the chain pumps. In this distress at 1 1 we let drop 
the best bower anchor in 30 fathoms, but it would not bring the ship's 
head to the wind. The captain ordered the weather shrouds of the 
foremast to be cut, and the ship then brought up and rode head to the 
wind. The heel of the foremast carried away from the bow the stream 
and kedge anchoi-s. The agitation of the elements was so violent that the 
mainmast could not stand, but reeled about like a man drunk. Orders 
were therefore given to cut away the starboard shrouds so as to let it fall 
over the larboard side to save, if possible, the mizenmast. Before this 
could be done the larboard shrouds and chain-plates gave way, and the 
mainmast fell over the starboard side, carrying with it the mizenmast and 
quarter gallery. The mainmast had worked the heel out of the step. 
The ship leaked, though less than might have been expected, and the 
people were employed at the pumps and to clear away the wreck ; on the 
9th, at noon, saw the sun, and observed the latitude 47 deg. and 47 min. 
The storm continued with very little intermission until the morning of the 
10th, and the agitation rendered it impossible to erect jury-masts; we 
made the best preparation we could for that purpose, and succeeded so as 
to be able to cut our cable at 1 o'clock in the morning of the 11th. The 
wind had then come round to W.N.W., and we steered out S.S.W. till 4 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 213 

o'clock, and finding then 10 fathom water, we bore away E.S.E. At 8 
o'clock, steered easterly; at 10 o'clock saw the island of Groaix bearing 
E.X.E., and at 6 in the evening anchored in the road of Groaix. In the 
morning of the 12th we got a pilot from L'Orient, who, at 3 o'clock, 
brought the Ariel to an anchor in the harbor of L'Orient, where we now 
attest and subscribe all the circumstances of the within declaration as 
matters of fact. And we apjjrehend that part of the public stores on 
board are damaged. Done on board the Ariel in the harbor of L'Orient, 
this 13th of October, 1780." 

Signed by the officers. 

He sailed again on the ISth of December, and arrived safely 
in the United States. 

The following extract from the journal, given by him to his 
majesty the King of France, will illustrate the dexterity with 
which on the following occasion he extricated himself from 
peril, and the more so at this particular time, as the Ariel was 
deeply laden with military stores for the use of the army : — 

" After having met several vessels, I at last met the frigate Triumph of 
20 guns, belonging to the British Navy. 

" As that frigate sailed much faster than the Ariel I could not avoid an 
engagement, but I so well manoeuvi-ed and so well concealed my prepara- 
tions for an engagement that the enemy thought of nothing else than 
making an easy conquest and a good prize. 

" As the night approached the Triumph hailed the Ai-iel, and the enemy 
was much surprised to find he had to contend with a force so nearly equal 
to his own. As the two frigates carried the English flag, there ensued a 
conversation between the commander of the Triumph and me, by which I 
learned the situation of the English affairs in America. At last I pretended 
not to believe that the Triumph belonged to the British navy, and I 
insisted that the captain should come on board the Ariel to show me his 
commission. The captain excused himself by saying that his boats 
leaked, and that I had told him neither my name nor that of my frigate. 
I answered I had no account to give to him, and that I allowed him only 
five minutes to determine. That time having expired, and the Ariel being 
situated abreast and to leeward, about 30 feet distant, I hoisted the 
American flag and began the engagement. Never was I in any preceding 
action so much pleased as in this of the Ariel, with the regular and 



214 LIFE OF JOHN PATJL JONES. 

vigorous fire of the tops and the deck guns. This proceeded from the 
arrangement and preparation which had preceded the action, by placing 
the officers and passengers of the Ariel in different parts of the ship to 
prevent the men from deserting their posts, and to encourage them to do 
their duty ; which proves the advantage of having good officers, for there 
never was a more indifferent crew than that of the Ariel. 

" After a short resistance the enemy struck his colors ; the captain of 
the Triumph begged for quarters, saying that he surrendered, and that 
half of his people were killed. I immediately ordered the firing to cease, 
and there were several huzzas on board the Ariel, as is usual after a 
victory ; but a minute afterward the captain of the Triumph had the 
baseness to fill his sails and run away. It was not in my power to prevent 
this, the Triumph sailing much faster than the Ariel. But if the British 
government had that feeling of honor and justice which becomes a great 
nation, they would have delivered up to the United States that frigate as 
belonging to them ; and would have punished in the most exemplary 
manner her captain, for having thus violated the laws of war, and the 
custom of civilized nations." 

Complaints by Mr. Lee and Captain Landais had, no doubt, 
preceded him ; for he was immediately afterward called nj)on 
by the Board of Admiralty to answer forty-seven inteiTOgatories, 
the answers to which would embrace the whole of his j^ublic 
transactions, from the period of his departure from Portsmouth 
in the Ranger, until his return to the United States in the Ariel. 
On the 20th of February, 1781, Mr. John Brown enclosed the 
interrogatories to him in the subjoined terms : 

^'■Admiralty Office, February 20th, ITSI. 
" Captain Paul Jones is hereby requn-ed to answer the following 
questions in writing, as soon as possible ; and to produce the original 
orders. 

" By order of the Board. 

"John Brown, Secretary^ 

"With this requisition Jones complied on the 21st of March, 
and as the copy of the answers is in his own handwriting, being 
indeed the original thereof, they are here introduced, as con- 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 215 

taining a precise narrative of the incidents of his life during a 
very interesting period of it : — 

^'^ Philadelphia^ March , 1781. 
" John Brown, Esq., Secretary of Admiralty. 
" Sir, 
"I have the honor to give the following answere to the questions 
proposed to me by the Board of Admiralty, February 20th, and March 
1st, 1781 :— 

'■'' Ansiver 1st. I sailed from Portsmouth in New Hampshire, the first 
day of November, 1777, by order of the Marine Committee, dated 
September 6th, 1777; having on board the despatches respecting the 
victory of Saratoga, and being bound for France, to take command of a 
large ship then building for America at Amsterdam, agi'eeable to orders 
from the Secret Committee, dated May 9th, to the commissioners at 
Paris. 

" 2. I took two brigautines on the passage, laden vnth fruit, wine, &c., 
bound from Malaga for London. I ordered the prize masters to deliver 
them to the Continental agents, Mr. Thomas Morris and Mr. Alderman 
Lee, in France, in confonnity to the orders I had formerly received from 
the Committee of Congress. One of these prizes arrived at Bordeaux, the 
other at Nantes. Being at Nantes myself, I proposed to send the one 
arrived there to America, finding she would fetch very little in France, but 
this Mr. Morris would not agree to. I beheve Mr. Dunlap had his 
authority either from the agents or the commissioners. He had no 
appointment from me. He accounted at last for the captors' part of the 
sale to Mr. Williams, who paid them before the Ranger left France for 
America; and I suppose he accounted for the Continental part to the 
commissioners. The commissioners sent for me to Paris, to consult on 
future operations respecting the ship of war Indien, built for America at 
Amsterdam, and proposed to be put under my command ; but after I had 
remained at Paris three weeks, the commiissioners informed me they had 
assigned over the property of that ship to the King of France, whose 
property she still seems to be. As nothing had been hitherto done for 
the relief of the unfortunate Americans confined in English dungeons, I 
determined if possible to effect their exchange, and to put an end to the 
cruel burnings of our enemies on this continent. The commissioners were 
not in my secret, as appears by the unrestraining papers I then received 
from them, dated, Paris, January 15th, 16th, l7th, and 18th, 1778. 

"I returned to Nantes, and sent the commissioners the scheme that 



216 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

was afterward adopted for Count d'Estaing's expedition. I also demanded 
and obtained a salute from the flag of France, both at Quiberon and at 
Brest, before the treaty of alliance was announced. I sailed from Brest in 
the Ranger into the Irish channel, made a descent at Whitehaven with 30 
men only, surprised and took two strong forts, with 30 pieces of cannon, 
and set tire to the shipping, where there lay 300 or upwards, in the dry 
pier. That both the shipping and town, containing from forty to fifty 
thousand inhabitants, was not burnt to ashes, was owing to the back- 
wardness of some i^ersons under my command. I landed the day afterward 
in Scotland, in order to take some nobleman prisoner, as a hostage for the 
good treatment and exchange of our countrymen in England. The Earl 
of Selkirk lived near the shore, and it was my intention to take him ; but 
he being from home, I was obliged to give way to the murmurs of my 
party, and suft'er them to bring away the family, pla4^ - 1 have since pur- 
chased it, and restored it to the fair owner. We took the sloop of war 
Drake of 20 guns, and an hundred and seventy-five men, sent in pursuit 
of the Ranger. I had but an hundred and twenty-three men and 18 guns 
in the Ranger. We took also five other prizes, sunk three of them, and 
arrived with the Drake, the other two, and 200 prisoners, at Brest, May 
Yth, 1778, having been absent only 28 days. 

" 3. I am unable to say with certainty by whom the then agents were 
appointed. Mr. Morris was dead, and Mr. Sweighauser informed me by 
letter that Mr. Williams had nothing to do with public affairs, and that 
Mr. Alderman Lee, before he went to Germany, had appointed him (Mr, 
Sweighauser) as his deputy agent, &c. His conduct was not satisfactory to 
me, because his inquiry was only respecting the prizes ; because he left me 
for a month, to cure my wounded, to feed my people, to guard my ^^rison- 
ers, and to refit the Rangei* on my own credit ; because my prizes were 
actually attached afterward for provision that had been furnished to the 
Ranger, by Monsieur Bersole, before that ship sailed on the expedition 
from Brest ; because he sold my prizes at last, without my proper authority, 
and without giving the public proper notice of that sale ; and because I 
believe he has not yet accounted to the crew of the Ranger for their share 
in their prizes, that were, I understand, while in his hands, shamefully 
plundered, and at last given away rather than sold. The second year after 
these transactions were ended. I authorized Mr. Williams to receive from 
Mr. Sweighauser what he pleased to allow as my share in these prizes, 
and Mr. Williams gave me credit in his account, in part of the moneys I 
had been obliged to borrow from my private friends. I do not remember 
the amount of what Mr. Williams received ; nor do I find the account 
among my papers, that have been several times broken open. 

" Perhaps Mr. Sweighauser had Alderman Lee's appointment confirmed 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 217 

by the commissioners, for liis deputy assumed the agency at L'Oi-ient 
immediately on the revolt of the Alliance, and went to a considerable 
expense, which he has since repented, as I understand, his bills having 
been refused by Mr. Franklin. 

" 4. The prisoners were guarded on board one of my prizes by French 
soldiei"s, and none escaped from the month of Maj^ until the middle of 
September. This guard cost America nothing; I obtained it on my own 
credit, and the soldiers were even fed at the King's expense. Many 
of them escaped afterward while they remained under the care of Mr. 
Sweighauser, and the remainder were at last exchanged for American 
seamen. 

" 5. I left the Ranger in the beginning of June, 1778, on an invitation 
from the Court of France, communicated to me by His Excellency B. 
Franklin, Esq., (which was afterward approved of by the commissioners,) 
in order, as it then appeared, to command the ship built for America at 
Amstei'dam, that had been assigned o\er to the King by the commissioners. 
That shi]) to be, as I understood, presented to America, and supported under 
our flag by the King. 

" 6. I took command of the Bon homme Richard the 4th of February, 
1779, agreeable to a letter of that date, addressed to me by His Excellency 
M. de Sartine. 

" 7. The Bon homme Richard was the property of the King, and all the 
squadron I commanded was at the expense of the crown of France. This 
is clear from a letter I received from His Excellency B. Franklin, Esq., 
dated 12th of August, 1780, &c. 

" 8. I have never borne nor acted under any other commission than 
that of the Congress of America. 

" 9. The squadron I commanded was at the first left entirely at my 
discretion, as well as the French troops that government proposed to 
embark. I had a variety of objects. in view, and should have endeavored 
to execute some of the projects I had laid before the minister of the marine. 
But when the Marquis de la Fayette arrived in France, the court again sent 
for me express to L'Orient. It was determined the Marquis should com- 
mand the troops ; — the Alliance was made part of the squadron, and I 
received orders for an expedition, from His Excellency Benjamin Frankhn, 
Esquire. 

" 10. The AUiance was put under my orders by His Excellency B. 
Franklin, Esq. 

"11. The squadron being at fii-st committed to my discretion, I had, as 
I have akeady said, a variety of objects, but no person was in my secret. 
I hope it is not doubted it was my intention to distress the enemy, and 
promote to the utmost of my ability the mutual interests of France and 



218 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

America, and it is not improbable I might have appeared seasonably on 
this coast. 

"12. I have already said I had a variety of objects in view. This will 
best appear by a general review of my correspondence. My first object 
was the cause of humanity to effect the liberty and exchange of our unfor- 
tunate fellow-citizens confined as ' pirates, felons, and traitors,' in the 
dungeons of England, and to put a stop to the savage burnings and 
wanton cruelties of the enemy on this continent. My second and last 
object has been the honor of the American flag. The orders I received in 
Europe will best explain the objects of the Court of France, and of the 
American minister at that court. 

" 13. The expense of the armament was paid by the Coui-t of France, 
(the men's wages who belonged to the Bon homme Richai'd, and were car- 
ried away from L'Orient in irons on board the Alliance excepted,) these poor 
men were not paid owing to the revolt on board that ship, and the trifling 
idle excuses formerly made from time to time by M. le Ray de Chaumont, 
to whom government had entrusted the funds as a commissary for the 
expense of that armament. The Alliance appears to have been provided 
with stores and provision at the expense of the court fi-om the time of 
joining the squadron until her return to L'Orient from »Spain, the lOth 
day of February, 1780. Bu,t I did not find that the Court meant to pay 
the men's wages of that ship, though I endeavored to obtain that payment. 
I am uncertain whether the expense of the Alliance, after her return to 
L'Orient, was on account of the Court or of the United States : sometimes 
I believed the one, and sometimes the other. 

" 14. The Alliance was undoubtedly to shai'e in prizes taken by the 
squadi'on, in proportion to the number of her men, and the number and 
calibre of her guns. 

"15. I know of no ordinance made by the King respecting the squadron 
His Majesty put under my command. But as the squadron was under 
the flag of Aiuerica, the officers appeared entitled to every advantage that 
any other officers may or can claim under the establishment of the marine 
laws of America, and the rules of the continental navy. 

"16. I have given a particular account of my expedition from L'Orient 
round the west of L-eland, north of Scotland, and east of England, to the 
Texel, in a letter to the IMinister of these States at the Court of Versailles, 
and to the Minister of the Marine, dated on board the Serapis, oft' the 
Texel, the 3d of October, 17*79, copies whereof were sent to the President 
of Congress. I find on the return of 405 prisoners at the Texel, Novem- 
ber 4th, 1779, 13 masters of merchantmen, so that the squadron took 15 
sail, including the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough. I need not 
observe how much might have been done, if due subordination had pre- 
vailed in the squadron. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 219 

"17. A ship and two brigan tines, taken by the squadron off the 
entrance of the Channel and west of Ireland, were ordered for France. 
The brigantines arrived at L'Orient, and were sold there. The ship was 
not heard of afterward. Two rich letter-of-mavciue ships were taken off 
the coast of Scotland, and Capt. Landais took upon himself, even under my 
nose, and without my knowledge, to order them to Bergen, in Norway, 
where they were given up to the English. A brigantine collier was sent, 
as I understand, to Dunkirk by Capt. Landais, during his second separa- 
tion from the squadron in the East Sea. The Countess of Scarborough 
arrived, and was publicly sold at Dunkirk. The Serapis arrived, and was 
publicly sold at L'Orient. The rest of the prizes taken were either sunk, 
burnt or destroyed, except one brigantine from Holland for England that 
was retaken, and a small collier that I gave up to the master, on account 
of his attachment to America, and the faithful information and important 
serv-ices he rendered me by his general knowledge of the east coast of 
Britain, particularly in the Firth of Forth, in my projected enterprise 
against Leith and Edinburg. I had given orders to sink the old vessel, 
when the tears of that honest man prevailed over my intention. He 
became security for the good behavior and payment of the pilots of the 
Pallas and Vengeance. 

" 18. The officers and men of the Bon homme Ptichard and Alliance 
appointed Messre. Gourlade and Moylan their agents for prizes. I had 
nothing to do with that appointment. I can give no certain account 
respecting the appointment of agents for the United States. But I hope 
my correspondence, which I wish to be examined respecting these prizes, 
will show I have done my utmost for the general good. 

"19. I never received any account of the nett proceeds of the prizes 
taken by the squadi'on. 

" 20. The American officers and men did, I believe, receive from their 
agents, some part of their shares arising from the sale of the prizes taken 
by the squadron under my command ; but what part they received I 
cannot say, it being their own private transaction. 

"21. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq. wrote me the 4th of 
December, 1780, 'he understood the prize-money was not then received 
from tl>e King.' My correspondence will, I hope, show I have done my 
best to obtain payment. 

" 22. I have always considered, and now consider the prisonei-s taken 
by the squadron I commanded as the property of the United States ; 
and, I believe, ]\Ir. Franklin had assurance from government to receive an 
equal number of prisoners in France to exchange for the Americans in 
England, before he sent me orders to deliver up the prisoners I had taken 
to the Duke de la Vauguyon, iVmbassador of France in Holland. After 



220 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

I returned to France, a cartel arrived at Morlex Avith an hundred Ame- 
ricans from England. I had occasion to lay before government a paper 
mentioning the American piisoners remaining in England, and nothing 
was either said or written to me by the king's ministers that could 
bear an unfavorable construction. On the contrary, Count Maurepas 
wrote me a very kind letter, expressing his general approbation of that 
paper. 

" 23. I had command of the Serapis from the time the Bon homme 
Richard sunk until she was remasted, repaired, and fit for sea at the 
Texel. 

" 24. "Wlien ready for sea, I received a letter from his Excellency, 
Benjamin Franklin, Esq. referring me to the ambassador of France who 
sent for me to Amsterdam, and, after a dispute of thirteen hours, I 
yielded to go from on board the Serapis to the command of the Alliance. 
This, as I afterward understood, was brought about through M. le 
Ray de Chaumont. This will best appear by my correspondence on 
that subject. 

"25. When Capt. Landais received orders to appear at Paris, His 
Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq. wrote me either to appoint a com- 
mander for the Alliance, or take it upon myself. I had applied to him to 
name a commander, and he said he had no fit pei-son. I was in the same 
predicament. Lieut. Degge was the senior officer on board, and my giving 
him an order to act as commander, was matter of necessity, not of choice ; 
for, as I then expected to bring the Serapis to America, after ha^'ing landed 
the prisoners in France, and as the Alliance was abominably dirty and out of 
order, I did not choose to go on board that ship as captain. 

" 26. I took command of the Alliance at last, by the authority and 
repeated order of His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq. I may add I 
had also all the authority that could be given me by the Ambassador 
of France ; and I conceive my own authority, as commander-in-chief of 
the squadron, might justify me, had I acted in consequence of it. 

" 27. The AUiance left the Texel the 27th of December, 1779. 

" 28. The AUiance arrived in Spain the 16th of January, 1780, and at 
Groaix without L'Orient, the 10th of February, 1780. 

" 29. At L'Orient the Alliance required very considerable repaire. 
She had not one good sail, — had left the Texel with only one anchor, and 
had I not procured two new cables from Amsterdam after I left the 
Serapis, I should have lost the Alliance at the Texel. I never found a 
fi'igate in so bad a condition. Epidemical disordei-s raged among the 
crew. The cutwater was loosened by laying in the trough of the swell in 
a gale of wind, while separated fi"om the squadron in the North Sea. I 
was obhged to secure it with a hawser. The bowsprit was too long, ran 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 221 

out too much in a horizontal line, and was loose. The ballast was, a 
considerable part of it, laid before the magazine in the fore-peak, and on 
the breast hooks ; the rest was ranged along the wings, cleeted up at a 
veiy considerable distance fi'om the keel, and above the dead-rising. The 
remainder of it was laid in the afterpeak, and on the transums. The two 
foreguns had been carried and run out over the bow ; the after guns run 
out at the stern ports. The top-masts, yards, and rigging were large 
enough for a sixty gun ship, and the tops were so ill made, and so narrow, 
as to give the masts no proper support. It is impossible to imagine a 
woree arrangement than that of the store-rooms. They were divided and 
subdivided into httle closets, nooks, and winding passages, and, instead of 
being adapted to contain the ship's stores, appeared only fit to lodge diit, 
and increase the quantity of rats, ali-eady immense. The magazine was 
not only inconvenient, but very insecure from fire, &c. There was no fit 
orlop for the cables, and the sail-room could contain at most only one of the 
spare courses. The deck was burnt through under the hearth, and the bot- 
tom of the copper burnt out. Many obstructions of useless hatchways, &c. 
were in the way of the recoil of the guns ; and the gangways were so ill 
contrived as neither to afford a convenient passage from the quarter-deck to 
the forecastle, nor cover the men at the guns in the waist. The mizen- 
mast stood too close to the mainmast. The ship was very crank — plunged 
very deep in a head sea, and could neither sail nor work as a frigate. I 
began to put that ship in order immediately on my taking command; and 
after my arrival at L'Orient the essential repairs were finished early in 
April, by the crew of the ship and four or five American carpentei-s, hired 
fi-om the Luzern to assist ours. The materials of the old aiTangement 
did not fall much short of finishing the new. Judges have allowed that, 
when the business was finished, every thing about that frigate was perfect. 
I know not what was the amount of the disbursements. The accounts 
were never shewn to me ; but I underetand fi-om Mr. Ross, an expense of 
30 or 40,000 livres was contracted afterward, by Capt. Landais and his 
advisei-s, which Mr. Franklin refused to pay. I took on board the 
AUiance 28 18-pounders and 12 9-pounders that I had myself contracted 
for at Angouleme for the Bon homme Richard; also 76 chests of arms, 
and 216 barrels of powder from the king's magazine, and I had allotted 
a place for the bales of clothing, afterwards shipped in the brig Luke, 
which the Alliance could have carried without any inconvenience, and 
I should also have endeavored to take in part of the clothing that was 
made up. 

" 30. M. le Ray de Chaumont had promised from day to day, to remit 
the government monies to L'Orient, for the payment of wages, and also 
100,000 Hvres, in part of prize-money, to be divided among the Ameri- 



222 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

cans of the squadron, then on board the Alliance; but at last, instead of 
complying with either, he prevailed on the Minister of the Marine to 
order the Serapis to be valued in the French way, for account of the 
King, and without giving the captors any satisfaction whatever, or 
obtaining their leave or consent, the workmen in the port began to rip up 
the orlop deck, and all the interior work of that ship. Messrs. Gourlade 
and Moylaii did not interfere to prevent this. Mr. Lee took much pains 
to persuade the people they had been sailing with me in a privateer, 
would be detained in Europe during the war, and get nothing at last. I 
found it impossible to reason them into good humor, so as to go to sea ; 
they positively declared they would not weigh anchor till they were fully 
paid, and wrote to this effect to Mr. Franklin. I was then greatly 
disgusted with the treatment that, in ajjpearance, I had met with from M. 
de Sartine, but which in reality did not prove to be his fault but that of 
M. le Ray de Chaumont. But as I saw no way of overcoming my 
difficulties by remaining at L'Ofient, I, with the advice of Mr. Samuel 
Wharton, and the majority of the Americans then assembled at L'Orient, 
waiting to proceed with me to America, went up to court to demand the 
free sale of our prizes, agreeable to the laws of the American navy. Mr. 
Franklin went with me to the minister who, contrary to my expectation, 
o-ave me tlie most friendly welcome, and sent immediate orders to pubhsh 
the irjventories and advertise the sale of all the prizes. This, however, 
took up more time than had been imagined. I improved this moment 
and the favorable disposition of government to ask for and obtain the 
Ariel, to assist the Alliance in transporting the clothing, &c. for our 
armies. I purposed to mount the Ariel with only 16 guns, with 60 or 80 
men ; and as I had left near 400 men in the Alliance, I had a crew 
sufficient for both ships. Thus the Ariel would have carried a large quan- 
tity of public stores, and no additional expense would have been incurred 
on account of that ship. The men must have been fed, whether in the 
Alliance or the Ariel, and being in part removed to the latter ship, the 
former would have had so much the less water and pro\asion to carry. 
Upon learning that the sale of the prizes was protracted beyond expecta- 
tion, I returned to L'Orient in the beginning of June, and as the sale 
was pubhshed, I hoped to be able to remove the idea of their having 
sailed in a ^privateer,'' and to be able to prevail with the people to leave 
the prize money to be settled by their agents in France, and to sail 
immediately with the two frigates and mercliant ships that waited my 
convoy ; but, to my great mortification, my scheme was entirely defeated 
by Mr. Lee, Oapt. Landais, and his party. 

" 31. I know not exactly the date of Admiral de Terney's sailing from 
Brest for America, but think it was about the latter end of May. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 223 

"32. I understood it was projDOsed to charter t^^o ships from ISIessrs. 
Bondfield and Haywood, for the purpose of transporting from France the 
clothing and stores for our armies, which was not concluded, because the 
terms were thought too extravagant. 

" 33. I know the INIarquis de la Fayette took much pains to obtain 
clothing and stores from government. I never understood that the funds 
for such purchase were put into the hands of the minister plenipotentiary i 
of these States. The arms and powder came directly from the King's 
manufactories. I understood M. le Ray de Chaumont was princii»ally 
concerned in the purchase of the clothing, and that he employed Mr. 
Williams of Nantes, who drew his bills on M. le Ray de Chaumont, at 
sundry usances ; but I am unable to say who employed jM. le Ray de 
Chaumont, or who is now charged to ship the clothing and stores for 
America. Mr. Joseph Wharton, who was at Passy, and intimate both 
with Mr. Franklin and M. le Ray de Chaumont, when the purchase of 
clothing was made, and is now here, can, I believe, give a satisfactory 
answer respecting that transaction. 

" 34. The reasons already assigned will show why Admiral de Terney's 
convoy was not embraced for the Alliance. 

" 35. Captain Landais repossessed himself of the Alliance the 13th of 
June. Mr. Lee and the rest of his council can best answer why he sailed 
contrary to my orders, as well as the ordei-s of Mr. Franklin. The passen- 
gers he had on board were, Mr. Lee and his two nephews, Mr. M. Living- 
ston, ]\Iajor Frazer, !Mr. Brown, and three French officers now with the 
INIarquis de la Fayette ; I heard of no others. I cannot answer as to what 
private property might have been on board the Alliance, at the time she 
left France. 

" 36. The brig Luke appeared to be in very good condition when she 
left France — was, I understood, owned by Mr. James ^loylan. I believe 
she had some private fi-eight on board. 

"37. I took command of the Ariel the beginning of Juno, when lent 
l)y the King, whose property she is^ for a voyage from France to Amei'ica, 
for the purpose I have already mentioned. 

" 38. I have already explained what was the object of my taking com- 
mand of the Ariel. If I had any personal \'iew, it av.is to appear here to 
answer for my past conduct. I have obeyed orders, and refer to my cor- 
respondence. 

" 39. I have already said I never commanded under any other commis- 
sion than that of the Congress of these United States. 

" 40. I sent from France to the Board of Admiralty a declaration of my 
officers and men, showing that the Ariel sailed fi'om L'Orient to Groaix 
the 4th of September, and was detained in that road by storms and con- 
trary winds till the Yth of October, when I put to sea the first time. 



224: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES, 

"41. The Ariel had on board for the United States four hundred and 
thirty-seven barrels of powder, one hundred and forty-six chests of arms, a 
quantity of medicine, a quantity of 12 and 9 pound shot, and a small 
quantity of sheet lead. 

* " 42. It was well known at Nantes and L'Orient what time I was ready 
to sail. The Luke, Duke of Leinster, and a French lugger, all bound here, 
sailed under my convoy. I had no official information, nor indeed any 
private cei'tainty, resjtecting captains -or agents haAnng charge of the 
public stores of any kind — therefore I could not write to such persons 
officially. 

" 43. I put to sea with the Ariel the second time the 18th of December 
last. 

" 44. I had on board, when I last sailed, the articles I have mentioned 
in my last answer but two, except the arms, which being wet when the 
Ariel was dismasted, were left under the care of Messrs. Gourlade and 
Moylan. 

" 45. I never knew olficially in Europe who were the American agents. 
The brig Luke sailed the second time about the last of October, before the 
Ariel was again masted. The clothing lay in the warehouse of Messrs. 
Gourlade and Moylan, the mihtary stores being in the hands of the King's 
officers at Port Louis. Both were well acquainted with my time of sail- 
ing : I waited ten or twelve days with a fair wind for the despatches. I 
do not believe either the King's officers, or Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan, 
were authorized to ship any part of the public stores in their hands in any 
merchant ships that ha^■e, in the course of last year, been bound from 
France to America. 

" 46. No private merchandise came over in the Ariel to my knowledge. 
There was on board some 8 or 10 small trunks and boxes, which I con- 
ceive to have been presents to the gentlemen of Congress. Mr. Ross, an 
old servant to the [lublic, had his books and accounts on board. The 
passengers had but httle baggage. These trifling articles were put into 
my own store room : and I am above deriving any benefit or profit what- 
ever either from the passengers or the articles here mentioned. 

" 47. The officers and crew of the Ariel are at the expense of the United 
States, they are enhsted for three years, except some few who entered at 
L'Orient for one year after the ship put back there, as will best appear by 
the entry book. 

" Having thus endeavored to answer all the questions that have been 
put to me by the Board of Admiralty, I lay all my correspondence on the 
subject of this inquiry before that Board. I submit with the utmost deft?r- 
ence my own conduct to the impartial inspection of the Board, and am, 
with great respect, sir, 

"Yours, &c." 



'"VX--0 2^-^J^''^ 



LIFE OFJOHN PAUL JONES, 225 

On the 14tli of April ensuing, Congress, then in session, passed 
the following vote of thanks : 

"By the United States in Congress assembled. 

'■'Saturday, Ajml lith, 1781. 

" On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Varnum, Mr. Houston, 
and Mr. Matthews, to -whom was referred a motion of Mr. Varnum : 

" The United States in Congress assembled, having taken into consider- 
ation the report of the Board of Admiralty of the 28th of March last, 
respecting the conduct of John Paul Jones, Esq., captain in the navy, do 

Resolve, That the thanks of the United States in Congi-ess assembled, 
be given to Captain John Paul Jones, for the zeal, prudence, and 
intrepidity with which he has supported the honor of the American flag ; 
for his bold and successful enterprises to redeem from captivity the citizens 
of these States who had fallen under the power of the enemy ; and in 
general for the good conduct and eminent services by which he has added 
lustre to his character, and to the American arms ; 

" That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be also 
given to the officei"s and men who have faithfully served under him from 
time to time, for their steady affection to the cause of their country, and 
the bravery and perseverance they have manifested therein.'' 

Tlie subjoined letters from the Commander-in-Chief, General 
Lafayette, and the Hon. John Adams, express in very handsome 
terms, their opinion and conduct of the services of Commodore 
Jones : 

"■Head-Quarters, New Windsor, May I9th, 1781. 
" Tlie Chevalier Paul Jones, Captain in the ) 
Navy of the United States. J 

" Sir, 

" My partial acquaintance with either our naval or commercial affairs, 
makes it altogether impossible for me to account for the unfortunate delay 
of those articles of military stores and clothing which have been so long 
provided in France. 

" Had I any particular reasons to have suspected you of being accessory 
to that delay, which I assure you has not been the case, my suspicion 
would have been removed by the very full and satisfactory answers which 

15 



226 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

you have, to the best of my judgment, made to the questions proposed to 
you by the Board of Admiralty, and upon which that board have, in their 
report to Congress, testified the high sense which they entertain of your 
merit and services. 

" Whether our naval affairs have in general been well or ill conducted, 
would be presumptuous in me to determine. Instances of bravery and 
good conduct in several of our officers, have not, however, been wanting : 
dehcacy forbids me to mention that particular one which has attracted 
the admiration of all the world, and which has influenced the most 
illustrious monarch to confer a mark of his favor, which can only be 
obtained by a long and honorable service, or by the performance of some 
brilliant action. 

" That you may long enjoy the reputation you have so justly acquired, 
is the sincere wish of, 

" Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

" George Washington." 

"Alliance, of Boston, Dec. 22d, 11 81. 
" John Paul Jones, Rsq., Chevalier of the Royal Order of Mihtary Merit, 
Commander of the ship of the line America, at Portsmouth in New 
Hampshire. 
" Sir, 

" I have been honored with your polite favor, my dear Paul Jones, but 
before it reached me I was already on board the Alliance, and every 
minute expecting to put to sea. It would have afforded me great 
satisfaction to pay my respects to the inhabitants of Portsmouth, and the 
State in which you are for the present. As to the pleasure to take you 
by the hand, my dear Paul Jones, you know my affectionate sentiments, 
and my very great regard for you, so that I need not add anything on 
that subject. 

" Accept of my best thanks for the kind expressions in your letter. 
His lordship's (Lord Cornwallis) downfiiU is a great event ; and the 
greater, as it was equally and amicably shared by the two allied nations. 
Your coming to the army I had the honor to command, would have been 
considered as a very flattering compliment to one who loves you and 
knows your worth. I am impatient to hear that you are ready to sail ; 
and I am of opinion that we ought to unite under you every continental 
ship we can muster, with such a body of well appointed marines {trouper 
de mer) as might cut a good figure ashore, and then give you plenty of 
provisions and carte blanche. 

" I am sorry I cannot see you : I also had many things to tell you. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL J O N K S . 227 

Write me by good opportunities, but not often in ciphere, unless the 
matter is very important. On my arrival in P'rance I will be able to let 
you know about the one you gave me, but am almost certain I have got it. 
" Your friends will be haj^py to hear from you : and I, my dear sir, 
need not tell you that your letters will be gratefully acknowledged by, &c. 

" Lafayette." 

''Hague, August I2th, ll82. 
" John Paul Jones, Esq., Commander of the America, at Portsmouth, 
New Hampshire. 
" Dear Sir, 

"I had yesterday the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 10th of 
December last, and am much obliged to you for your care of the articles 
which Mr. Moylan, at my desire, sent to my family. 

" The command of the America could not have been moi"e judiciously 
bestowed, and it is with impatience that I wish her at sea, where she will 
do honor to her name. Nothing gives me so much surprise, or so much 
regret, as the inattention of my countrymen to their navy : it is a bulwark 
as essential as it is to Great Britain. It is less costly than armies, and 
more easily removed from one end of the United States to the other. Our 
minister of finance used to be a great advocate for this kind of defence. I 
hope he has not altered his sentiments concerning it. 

" Every day shows that the Batavians have not wholly lost their ancient 
character. They were always timid and slow in adopting their political 
systems, but always firm and able in support of them, and always brave 
and active in war. They have hitherto been restrained by their chiefs ; 
hut, if the war continues, they will show that they are possessed of the 
spirit of liberty, and that they have lost none of their great qualities. 

" Rodney's victory has intoxicated Britain again to such a degree that I 
think there will be no peace for some time. Indeed, if I could see a 
prospect of half a dozen line-of-battle ships under the American flag, 
commanded by Commodore Paul Jones, engaged with an equal British 
force, I apprehend the event would be so glorious for the United States, 
and lay so sure a foundation for their prosperity, that it would be a rich 
compensation for a continuance of the war. 

" However, it does not depend upon us to finish it. There is but one 
way to finish it, and that is — Burgoynizing Carlton in New York, 
" I should be happy to hear from you, and remain, &c. 

"John Adams." 

After remaining a short time in the United States, Jones was 



228 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

appointed on the 26th of June, 1Y81, unanimously by ballot, to 
the command of the -America, one of the seventy-four gun 
ships ordered to be built by a resolution of Congress of the 
20th of November, 1716. 

The following is the resolution adopted on the occasion : 

"In Congress, June 26th, 1781. 
" Congress proceeded to the appointment of a captain to command the 
ship America 74, and the ballots being taken, John Paul Jones, Esq. was 
unanimously/ elected." i 

In superintending the construction of this vessel, he was 
engaged sixteen months. But the king of France having, 
about this time, lost a ship of that class trom his navy, the 
United States made a present of the America to him to supply 
the place of the one that was lost. 

The annexed is the resolution passed by Congress on the 
occasion ; — 

"In Congress, September 3d, 1782. 

" Whereas the Magnifique, a 74 gun ship belonging to the fleet of His 
Most Christian Majesty, commanded by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, has 
been lately lost by accident in the harbor of Boston, and Congress lu'e 
desirous of testifying on this occasion to his Majesty the sense they enter- 
tain of his generous exertions in behalf of the United States : 

^'■Resolved, That the agent of marine be, and he is hereby instructed 
to present the America, a 74 gun ship, in the name of the United States, 
to the Chevaher de la Luzerne for the service of His Most Christian 
Majesty." 

The following letter from the Hon. Eobert Morris was wi'itten 
to Jones with the intention no doubt of soothing his feelings 
imder this severe disappointment : — 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 229 

''Marine Office, Sept Ath, 1'782. 
" Chevalier Paul Jones, 
" Dear Sir, 

The enclosed resolution* will show you the destination of the ship 
America. Nothing could be more pleasing to me than this disposition, 
excepting so far as you are affected by it. I know you so well as to be 
convinced that it must give you great pain, and I sincerely sympathize 
with you ; but, although you will undergo much concern at , being 
deprived of this opportunity to reap laurels on your favorite field, yet your 
regard for France will in some measure alleviate it, and to this your good 
sense will naturally add the delays which must have happened in fitting 
this ship for sea. I must entreat of you to continue your inspection until 
she is launched, and to urge forward the business. When that is done 
if you will come hither, I will explain to you the reasons which led to 
this measure and my views for employing you in the service of your 
country. You will, on your route, have an opportunity of conferring 
with the General, on the place you mentioned to me in one of your K^^ 
letters. 

" I pray you to believe me your affectionate friend, &c. 

" Robert Morris," 



Jones was then left withont employment ; and, ever impa- 
tient, when not occupied, he addressed in 1Y82 a long memorial 
to the United States' Minister of Marine, in which he set forth 
his claims to promotion, and submitted some projects and sug- 
gestions, which, had they been adopted, would have had the 
effect to bring him once more into service. As several pas- 
sages in that memorial may prove interesting to our naval 
officers, a few of them are inserted from the rough draft in the 
hands of the author. Some of the extracts here published, 
appear to have been crossed and cancelled by Jones himself, 
so that they were probably not commimicated to the Board of 
Admiralty. 



* Resolution of Congress of September 3d, 1782, directing the presentation to His 
Majesty the King of France, of the America, to replace the Magnifique which had 
been lately lost by accident in the harbor of Boston. 



230 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Philadelphia, September 22c?, 1Y82. 

" The United States Minister of Marine. 
" Sir, 

' " The beginning of our navy, as navies now rank, was so singularly 
small, that I am of opinion it has no precedent in history. Was it a proof 
of madness in the first corps of sea officers, at so critical a period, to have 
launched out on the ocean with only two armed merchant ships, two armed 
brigantines, and one armed sloop, to make war against such a power as 
Great Britain ? 

' " To be diffident is not always a proof of ignorance, but sometimes the 
contrary. I was offered a captain's commission at the first to command 
the Providence, but declined it. Let it, however, be remembered, that 
there were three grades of sea heutenants established by the act of Con- 
gress of the 22d of December, 1775, and as I had the honor to be placed 
at the head of the first of those grades, it is not quite fair to confound me 
with the last. I had sailed before this Revolution in armed ships and 
fii'igates, yet when I came tjp try my skill, I am not ashamed to oAvn I did 
not find myself perfect in the duties of a first lieutenant. If midnight 
study, and the instruction of the greatest and most learned sea officei-s, 
can have given me advantages, I am not without them. I confess, how- 
ever, I have yet to learn. It is the work of many years' study and expe- 
rience, to acquire the high degree of science necessary for a great sea 
officer. Cruising after merchant ships, the service in which our frigates 
have generally been employed, affords, I may say, no part of the knowledge 
necessary for conducting fleets and their operations. There is now, per- 
haps, as much difference between a battle between two ships and an 
engagement between two fleets, as there is between a duel and a ranged 
battle between two armies. 

"The English, who boast so much of their navy, never fought a ranged 
battle on the ocean, before the war that is now ended. The battle off" 
Ushant was, on their part, like their former ones, irregular; and Admiral 
Keppel could only justify himself by the example of Hawke in our remem- 
brance, and of Russel in the last century. From that moment the English 
■wete forced to study and to imitate the French in their evolutions. They 
never gained any advantage when they had to do with equal force, and 
the unfortunate defeat of Count de Grasse was owing more to the unfavor- 
able circumstance of the wind coming ahead four j^oints at the beginning 
of the battle, which put his ffeet into the order of echiquier when it was too 
late to tack, and of calms ^nd currents afterward, which brought on an 
entire disorder, than to the admiralship or even the vast superiority of 
Rodney, who had forty sail of the line against thirty, and five three deck- 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 231 

ers against one. By the account of some of the French officers, Rodney 
might as well have been asleep, not having made a second signal during 
the battle, so that every captain did as he pleased. 

" The English are very deficient in signals as well as in naval tactic. 
This I know, having in my possession their present fighting and sailing 
instructions, which comprehend all their signals and evolutions. Lord 
Howe has, indeed, made some improvements by borrowing from the 
French. But Kempenfelt, who seems to have been a more promising 
officer, had made still greater improvement, by the same means. It was 
said of Kempenfelt, when he was drowned in the Royal George, England 
had lost her du Pavillion. That great man, the Chevalier du PaNillion, 
commanded the Triumphant, and was killed in the last battle of Coimt de 
Grasse. France lost in him one of her greatest naval tacticians, and a man 
who had besides the honor, in 1773, to invent the new system of naval 
signals, by which 1600 ordere, questions, answers, and informations, can, 
without confusion or misconstruction, and with the gi'eatest celerity, be 
communicated through a great fleet. It was his fixed opinion that a 
smaller number of signals would be insufficient. 

" A captain of the line must at this day be a tactician. A captain of a 
cruising frigate may make shift without having ever heard of naval tactics. 
Until I arrived in France, and became acquainted with that great tactician 
Count D'Orvilliers, and his judicious assistant the Chevaher du PavnUion, 
who each of them honoi'ed me with instructions respecting the science of 
governing the operations, «fec., of a fleet, I confess I was not sensible how 
ignorant I had been before that time of naval tactics. I have already said 
there wei'e three grades of sea lieutenants established by the act of Con- 
gress, of the 22d of December, 1775. If I may be allowed at this day to 
judge, it would be sound wisdom to re-adopt the same number of subaltern 
grades, exclusive of midshipmen, under the same, or some other denomina- 
tion. From the observations I have made, and what I have read, it is my 
opinion, that in a navy there ought to be at least as many grades below a 
captain of the hne, as there are below a colonel of a regiment. Even the 
navy of France is deficient in subaltern grades, and has paid dearly for 
that error in its constitution, joined to another of equal magnitude, which 
authorizes ensigns of the navy to take charge of a watch on board ships 
of the line. One instance may be sufficient to show this. The Zele, in 
the night between the 11th and 12th of April, 1782, ran on board the 
Ville de Paris, which accident was the principal cause of the unfortunate 
battle that ensued next day between Count de Grtisse and Admiral Rodney. 
That accident in all probabihty would not have happened, had the deck of 
the Zele been at the time commanded by a steady experienced lieutenant 
of the hne, instead of a young ensign. The charge of the deck of a ship 



232 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

of the line should, in my judgment, never be entrusted to an officer under 
twenty-five years of age. At that time of life he may be supposed to have 
served nine or ten years, a term not more than sufficient to have furnished 
him with the necessary knowledge for so great a charge. It is easy to 
conceive that the mind of officers must become uneasy, when they are 
continued too long in any one grade, which must happen (if regard be 
paid to the good of the service) where there are no more subaltern grades 
than midshipman and lieutenant. Would it not be wiser to raise young 
men by smaller steps and to increase the number ? I have many things 
to offer respecting the formation of our navy, but shall here limit myself 
to one, wliich I think a preliminary to the formation and establishment of 
a naval constitution suitable to the local situation, resources, and prejudices 
of the Continent. 

"The constitution adopted for the navy in the year 1775, and by which 
it has been governed ever since, and crumbled away I may say to nothing, 
is so very defective, that I am of opinion it would be difficult to spoil it. 
Much wisdom, and more knowledge than we possess, is, in my humble 
opinion, necessary to the formation of such a naval constitution as is abso- 
lutely wanting. If, when our finances enable us to go on, we should set 
out wrong, as we did in the year 1*775, but much more so after the 
aiTangement, or rather derangement of rank in 1776, much money may 
be thrown away to httle or no purpose. We are a young people, and 
need not be ashamed to ask advice from nations older and more experi- 
enced in marine affairs than ourselves. This I conceive might be done in 
a manner that would be received as a compliment by several or perhaps 
all the marine powers of Europe, and at the same time would enable us to 
collect such helps as would be of vast use when we come to form a consti- 
tution for the creation and government of our marine, the establishment 
and police of our dock-yards, academies, hospitals, &c., and the general 
police of our seamen throughout the Continent. These considerations 
induced me, on my return from the fleet of His Excellency the Marquis 
de Vaudreuil, to propose to you to lay my ideas on the subject before 
Congress, and to propose sending a proper person to Europe in a hand 
some frigate, to display our flag in the ports of the different marine powers, 
to offer them the free use of our ports, and propose to them commercial 
advantages, &c. And then to ask permission to visit their marine arsenals, 
to be informed how they are furnished both with men, provision, materials, 
and war-like stores, by what pohce and officers they are governed, how and 
from what resources the officers and men are paid, &c. — The line of con- 
duct drawn between the officers of the fleet and the officers of the ports, 
&c. — Also the armament and equipment of the different ships of war, with 
their dimensions, the number and quahties of their officers and men, by 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 233 

what police they are governed in port and at sea, how and from what 
resources they are fed, clothed, and paid, &c. ; and the general police of 
their seamen, academies, hospitals, &c. If you still object to my projects 
on account of the expense of sending a frigate to Europe, and keeping her 
there till the business can be effected, I think it may be done, though per- 
haps not with the same dignity, without a frigate. My plan for forming 
a proper corps of sea officers, is by teaching them the naval tactics in a 
fleet of evolution. To lessen the expense as much as possible, I would 
compose that fleet of frigates instead of ships of the line ; on board of each 
I would have a little academy, where the officers should be taught the 
principles of mathematics and mechanics, when off duty. When in port, 
the young officers should be obliged to attend at the academies established 
at each dock-yard, where they should be taught the principles of every art 
and science that is necessary to form the character of a great sea officer. 
And every commission officer of the navy should have free access, and be 
entitled to receive instruction gratis at those academies. All this would 
be attended with no very great expense, and the public advantage result- 
ing from it would be immense. I am sensible it cannot be immediately 
adopted, and that we must first look about for ways and means ; but the 
sooner it is adopted the better. We cannot, like th-e ancients, build a fleet in 
a month, and we ought to take example from what has lately befallenHoUand. 
" In time of peace it is necessary to prepare, and be always prepared 
for war by sea. I have had the honor to be presented with copies of the 
signals, tactics, and police that have been adopted under the difterent 
Admirals of France and Spain during the war, and have in my last cam- 
paign seeaa them put in practice. While I was at Brest, as well as while 
I was inspecting the building of the America, as I had furnished myself 
with good authors, I applied much of my leisure time to the study of 
naval architecture and other matters that relate to the estabhshment and 
police of dockyards, &c. I however feel myself bound to say again, I 
have yet much need to be instructed." 

Disappointed in the command of the America, and miwilling 
to remain an idle spectator of the passing scene, Commodore 
Jones exerted himself to obtain permission from Congress to 
join the French fleet then in the United States, mider the 
command of the Marquis de Yaudreuil on an expedition against 
the Island of Jamaica. In this application he was successful, 
being aided by his friend the Hon. E. Morris, who procured for 
him the gratification of his wishes : — 



234 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

''Marine Office, October 9th, 1782. 
" Chevalier Paul Jones, Portsmouth. 
"Sib, 
"I have received your letter of the 22d of last month. The senti- 
ments contained in it will always reflect the highest honor upon your 
character. They have made so strong an impression upon my mind 
that I immediately transmitted an extract of your letter to Congress. I 
doubt not but they will view it in the same manner which I have done. 

" I am, &c. 

" Robert Morris." 



''Marine Office, Philadelphia, Nov. 29th, 11 82. 
" The President of Congress. 
" Sir, 

" I do myself the honor to enclose your Excellency the copy of a letter 
I received this morning from the Chevalier Paul Jones. The present 
state of our affaii*s does not permit me to employ that valuable officer, 
and I confess that it is with no small degree of concern that I consider 
the little probability of rendering his talents useful to that country, 
which he has already so faitlifully served, and with so great disinter- 
estedness. 

" His present desire to be sent with the Marquis de Vaudreuil to join 
Count d'Estaing on his projected expedition from Cadiz against Jamaica, 
&c. consists with all his former conduct ; and it will, I dare say, be a very 
pleasing reflection to Congress that he is about to pursue a knowledge of 
his profession, so as to become still more useful if ever he should be again 
called to the command of a squadron or fleet. I should do injustice to 
my own feehngs, as well as to my country, if I did not most warmly 
recommend this gentleman to the notice of Congress whose favor he has 
certainly merited by the most signal services and sacrifices. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" R. Morris." 

"By the United States in Congress assembled, December 4th, 1782. 

" On the report of a committee to whom was referred a letter of the 
29th November, from the agent of marine, enclosing a copy of a letter of 
the same date to him from Capt. J, P. Jones, 

"Resolved, That the agent of marine be informed that Congi-ess 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 235 

having a high sense of the merit and services of Capt. J. P. Jones, and 
being disposed to favor the zeal manifested by him to acquire improve- 
ment in the Hne of his profession, do grant the permission which he 
requests ; and that the said agent be instructed to recommend him 
accordingly to the countenance of His Excellency the Marquis de Vau- 
dreuil. 

" Extract from the minutes. 

" George Bond, Dep. Secretary'"' 



Extract from the Journal of Commodore John Paul Jones, prepared 
by him for His Majesty, Louis XVI. 

" When I foresaw that the plan concerted between M. La Luzerne and 
Mr. Morris, according to all appearances, would not succeed, I addressed 
Congress without loss of time. On the 4th of December, 1*782, 1 obtained 
an act of that body, permitting me to embark on board the fleet of your 
Majesty at Boston, under the command of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, for 
the purpose of joining the Count D'Estaing in his expedition against 
Jamaica. 

"The appearances were very favorable, since of all those who were 
appointed to serve in this expedition, no one knew the island of Jamaica 
so well as myself ; and as the Marquis D'Estaing had commanded a 
fleet of more than seventy sail of the line and a large body of troops, I 
had the flattering hope of finding myself in the first military school in the 
world, in Avhich I should be able to render myself useful, and to acquire 
knowledge very important for conducting great military operations. 

" M. de Vaudreuil received me with distinction on board his own vessel, 
the Triumphant, and lodged me in his chamber of council with M. le 
Baron de Viomenil, who commanded the troops. By order of the 
Marquis de Vaudreuil a squadron, consisting of ten sails of the line, two 
frigates, and a cutter, left Boston the 24th of December. The intention 
of the Marquis was to join off Portsmouth, two other ships of the line, 
the Augustus and the Pluto which were then in that port, and under the 
command of his brother (for the America was not then ready to i)ut to 
sea) ; but a storm and contrary winds prevented this junction, and placed 
the squadron in a dangerous situation, from the proximity of ice and the 
Bay of Fundy. The Admiral then made an attempt to join the Fan- 
tasque, with the troops which he brought from Rhode Island, with the 
same results. The squadron ha\ing lost sight of many vessels laden with 
troops, and twenty merchant vessels from Boston, directed its couree 
towards the island of Porto Rico. 



236 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" When they came within sight of this island, the Marquis de Vau- 
dreuil learat that Admiral Hood was cruising off Cape Francois, with 16 
sail of the line, and that Admiral Pigot, with a larger force, was at St. 
Lucie, so that the enemy would necessarily consider the squadron of the 
Marquis de Vaudreuil an easy prey which could not escape from Ilood or 
from Pigot. 

" M le Marquis de Vaudreuil remained off St. John's, Porto Rico, for 
ten days, and made all kinds of naval evolutions, and then he took sixteen 
sail of merchantmen, arrived from France, and convoyed them to the west 
end of that island. 

" Some hght vessels of observation, which Admiral Hood had sent on a 
cruise, perceived the squadron in the Mona Passage, and went immedi- 
ately to inform him that the Marquis de Vaudreuil had sailed by the 
south side of St. Domingo, in order to go to some port on the west of 
that island, or on the east of Cuba for his expedition against Jamaica. 
They were mistaken ; the squadron directed its course to the south, more 
to windward, and passed in sight of the island of Curagoa, near the 
coast of South America. 

" The rendezvous which had been fixed between Don Solano and the 
Marquis de Vaudreuil at Cape Francois, after the defeat of Count de 
Grasse, was kept in the greatest secrecy, and no person had the least 
suspicion that it was Porto Cabello about 20 leagues to the windward of 
Curagoa. The squadron beat against the wind for three weeks along the 
coast, against a cun-ent which drove the merchant vessels out of sight to 
the leeward ; and as he had neither ])ilots nor good charts of this coast on 
board the squadron, the Burgoyne, of 74 guns, i-an upon a rock in the 
night, about two leagues from the coast, and was entirely lost with 200 
men including officers, among the number was the first lieutenant. The 
Triumphant arrived at Porto Cabello the 18th of February, 1783; 
the Augustus and Pluto had arrived some days before, and the other 
vessels of the fleet betook themselves, one after another, to places of 
safety. 

" Don Solano was to have joined the Marquis de Vaudreuil at Porto 
Cabello in December. He did not keep his word, and no news was 
received of his squadron at Porto Cabello. The anxiety which this disap- 
pointment occasioned, while at the same time no news was received from 
Europe, so affected the spirits of many of the officers that they fell sick, 
and I myself was dangerously ill. 

" Finally, the news of a general peace was brought from France by a 
frigate. The most brilliant success and the most instructive experience in 
the art of war could not have given me a pleasure comparable to that 
which I received when I learned that Great Britain, after so long a contest, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 237 

had been forced to acknowledge the independence and sovereignty of the 
United States of America. 

"On the 8th of April, 1783, the day after the cessation of hostilities, 
the sqnadron left Porto Cabello, and after a passage of eight days, arrived 
in safety at Capt. Francois, 

" The Spanish fleet had left Havana for Porto Cabello, and, on learning 
the news of the peace at Porto Cabello, directed its course for Cape 
Francois, and arrived there some days before the Marquis de Vaudreuil. 

"I delayed but little time at Cape Francois, where I received the 
particular attentions of M. Belle Combe, the governor. I embarked then 
for Philadelphia, penetrated with gratitude for all the attentions which 
had been shown me by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, Baron Viomeuil, and 
the other officers, during the five months I spent on board the fleet of 
your majesty. 

"My health was not confirmed during the rest of the summer. I 
recovered it in the autumn from the use of the cold bath. 

" I addressed myself then to Congress for authority to return to Europe, 
and there to arrange with the court of France the payment of the prize- 
money due to the officers and men who had served on board the 
squadron which I had commanded in Europe. And the Congress gave 
me the authority, by a resolution passed at Princeton, the 1st of September, 
1783. 



Copy of a letter from His Excellency the Marquis de Vaudreuil, Lieut. 
General of the Navy of France, Commander of the Royal and 
Military order of St. Louis, commanding the squadron of His Most 
Christian Majesty in the West Indies, to His Excellency the Chevahei* 
DE LA Luzerne, Minister Plenipotentiary of France in America. 

" Cape Francois, April 20tk, lY83. 
" Sir, 

" Tlie peace which has been so much desired, and which is going to 
make the happiness of America, since it puts the seal to her liberty, 
terminates our projects. We shall sail for France in a week with the 
troops under the command of the Baron de Viomenil. The other 
regiments will sail as soon as there vnll be vessels ready to transport them. 

" Mr. Paul Jones, who had embarked with me, is about returning to 
his dear country. I was very glad to have him. His well deserved 
reputation had made him very acceptable to me, not doubting but that 
we would have had some opportunities in which his talents might have 
shone foilh ; but peace, of which I cannot but be glad, puts an obstacle 
in the way ; — so we must part. Permit me, sir, to request of you the 



238 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

favor of recommending him to liis superiors. The intimate acquaintance 
which I made with him since he has been on board the Triumphant, 
makes me take a Hvely interest in what concerns him, and I shall be 
very much obliged to you if you will find the means of being serviceable 
to him. 

" Peace will not restore you to your country. On account of the great 
services which you render to France, it will be necessary for you to remain 
in America a long time ; but you have the consolation to be amongst a 
people who love and respect you : thus it is for you a second home, which 
you have acquired by your virtues and talents. 

" I am, &c. 

" Le Marquis de Vaudreuil." 

Desirous of procuring a linal adjustment of the claim for 
prize-money due in Europe to himself and others, the Chevalier 
Jones applied to Congress to be appointed agent for the settle- 
ment of that business. The Congress consented, and, on the 
first of November, 1783, passed the following resolution : — 

"In Congress, November \st, 1Y83. 

" On the report of Mr. S. Hunting-ton, Mr. A. Lee, and Mr. Duane, to 
whom were referred a letter from Capt. John Paul Jones to the agent of 
marines, of the 13th of October, and a letter from him to Congress, of the 
18th of the same month, 

" Resolved, That Capt. John Paul Jones be, and he hereby is, recom- 
mended to the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the court 
of Versailles, as agent, to solicit, under the direction of the said minister, 
for payment and satisfaction to the officers and crews for all prizes taken 
in Europe under his command, and to which they are anywise entitled. 
And the said Capt. John Paul Jones shall receive the commissions usually 
allowed in such cases out of the money which he shall recover, as agent 
for the said prizes, in full compensation for his services and expenses : 
Provided ahvai/s, that the said Capt. John Paul Jones, previous to his 
entering upon the execution of the said trust, shall give to the Superin- 
tendent of Finance, for the benefit of all concerned, sufficient bonds, with 
good security, for the faithful discharge thereof, and for the just payment 
of the same to -the said Superintendent of Finance, to be by him distributed 
to those persons who may be entitled thereto : 

" Resolved, That the agent of marine provide Capt. Jones with a passage 
to France in the ship Washington." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 239 

Repairing to Paris, lie there found a competitor in M. le Ray 
de Chaumont, who claimed to have been the one who planned 
the expedition for intercepting the Baltic fleet, to have had the 
direction of it mider the orders of the king's ministers, and 
insisted that, as the cost of the enterprise had been defrayed by 
the treasmy of France, the distribution of the prize-money 
ought to be made in pursuance of the provisions of the 
ordinances of the kingdom, which would have caused a 
deduction of four deniers per livre, for the benefit of the 
Hospital of Invalids, at Paris. To these pretensions, Jones 
replied with considerable acrimony. He contended that the 
force he commanded was under the commission, laws, and flag 
of the United States ; that the ofiicers and men were engaged, 
as under his command, in the American navy ; that he received 
his orders, as an American officer, from the Minister of 
Congress ; and that, consequently, the captors were entitled to 
be treated accordiilg to the laws of the navy of the United 
States. He remarked, moreover, to the Marshal de Castries, 
the Minister of Marine, that whatever understanding there 
might have been between the two governments, respecting the 
expense of the armament, it made not the least difference to 
the captors. The following correspondence will evince the 
indefatigable industry of the commodore, the zeal with which 
he prosecuted the interests of the brave men who served under 
his command, in 1770, in endeavoring to influence the French 
com-t in favor of their rights, and the success w^hich attended 
his efforts. It will show that in a just cause he was as intrepid 
in his contests in the cabinet as on the ocean, and that his 
knowledge of the human character was in each situation alike 
useful to him. 

"To the Honorable Captain John Paul Jones, Commander in the service 
of the United States of America. 
" In pursuance of a resolution of Congress of the fii-st of November, 



240 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

1783, a copy whereof is hereunto annexed, I do hereby authorize and 
direct you to sohcit, as agent, for payment and satisfaction to the officers 
and crews, citizens or subjects of the said United States, for all prizes taken 
in Europe under your command, and to which they are in anywise entitled, 
and in whose hands soever the prize-money may be detained. 
" Given at Passy, this lYth day of December, 1783. 

" B. Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary from 
the United States of America at the 
Court of France." 



^' Paris, February 1st, 1784. 

" His Excellency the Mar^chal Castries, ) 
Minister of Marine. ) 

" My Lord Marechal, 

" As I wish to give your excellency as little trouble as may be respecting 
the money arising from the prizes taken by the squadron I had the honor 
to command in Europe, I have waited since the day you did me the honor 
to present me to his majesty until this moment, in order to give you 
sufficient time for any arrangement that you might find essential, before 
the division should take place between the ships and vessels that composed 
the force under my command when the prizes were taken. I now do 
myself the honor to transmit you the enclosed official letter on that 
subject, fi-om Mr. Frankhn, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, 
containing a copy of my credentials, as agent, from Congress, of which I 
had occasion to render an account on my arrival. I also enclose a state- 
ment of the force, in guns and men, of each ship and vessel that composed 
the squadron I commanded, which is the only paper essential to the fii-st 
division of the prize-money. It is the custom, in cases like the present, 
to multiply the number of the crew by the sum of the calibre of the 
cannon mounted on board each ship. The product gives the intrinsic 
force, in proportion to which the share of the prize-money arising to each 
ship is determined. On that ground it is my duty to claim the proportion 
arising to the Bon homme Ptichard and the Alliance ; their proportions 
will afterward be divided by the American Superintendent of Finance, 
agreeably to the rules of the American navy, between the officers and 
crews of these two ships. 

" The subdi\'ision of the shares of the other ships and vessels, in propor- 
tion to their force in men and metal, of the prizes in which they are 
concerned, will remain with your Excellency to determine as may be most 
agreeable to the respective officers and men. As those ships and vessels 
were entirely His Majesty's property, and their officei-s and men composed 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 241 

of French subjects, I do not presume to interfere in their respect, any far- 
ther than to pray your Excellency, in the most earnest manner, to render 
them and all concerned that immediate justice to which all Europe knows 
their distinguished services so highly entitle them. As nearly four yeai-s 
and a half have already elapsed since those captures were made, I rely on 
the kind promise you gave me that the prize-money shall now be imme- 
diately settled. 

" I am, with profound respect, my Lord Marechal, 

" Your most obedient and most humble servant." 

^^ Paris, February 18th, 1784. 
" His Excellency the Marfechal de Castries, &c. 
"My Lord Marechal, 

" I have examined, as you desired, the account that was laid before your 
Excellency by M. Chan don, on the papers that have by your orders been 
put into his hands by M. le Ray de Chaumont, relative to the prizes that 
were made by the squadron I had the honor to command in Europe, 
under the flag and commission of the United States, and under the ordei-s 
of Mr. Franklin, the American Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of 
France. 

" Permit me, my Lord, before I make any observations on the account, 
as it there stands, to lead back your attention to some circumstances which 
I presume induced the government of France to ask, first of Mr. Franklin, 
and afterward of the other American Commissioners, that I might be 
permitted to remain in Europe to command such expeditions, with a 
force at the expense of France, but under the flag and commission of 
America. 

" My conduct from the beginning of the war till the capture of Gen'^ral 
Burgoyne had so much commended me to the favor of Congress, that I 
was sent to Europe with the news of that glorious event, and with orders 
to the American Minister in France to put under my command, in addition 
to the ship I then had, a very large frigate, mounting a battery of 36 
poundei-s, then at Amsterdam, called the Indien. Soon after I came to 
France, the treaty of alliance was concluded, and the property of the 
Indien was with my consent assigned over to the King, on account of 
difficulties that arose in Holland about getting that ship to sail. On the 
10th of February, 1778, being at Nantes, and having there received some 
very particular and late advice from America, respecting the pretended 
force of the British ships and vessels of war under Lord Howe, I wrote to 
Mr. Deane, and communicated the exnct plan that was afterward adopted, 
from Toulon, under the command of the Count d'Estaing, which, had it 

16 



242 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

been immediately adopted from Brest, would have put an end to the 
British power in America. Soon afterward, when the alliance between 
France and America was announced, I transmitted my ideas through 
Count d'Orvilliers, at Brest, to M. de Sartine. I proceeded into the Irish 
Channel, made several descents, took and destroyed a number of ships, 
and among other prizes brought in with me a British frigate of superior 
force, that had been sent out expressly to take me. I also made prisoners, 
and brought with me twice the number of my crew. It was, as Mr. 
Franklin informed me by a letter dated at Passy, June 1st, 1778, the 
account that had been given of my conduct, &c., by Count d'OrviUiere, 
that then determined the government of Fi-ance to invite me to remain in 
Europe. I received from the then minister of marine the most flattering 
hopes and promises, but his performance fell far short. He received fi'om 
me, through the hands of M. le Ray de Chaumont, many ideas on the 
secret expeditions I wished to have commanded ; among which were the 
interception of the Baltic fleet, and the destruction of the Hudson's Bay 
establishment. I was, however, trifled with for more than a year, before 
I could say I had a force under my command. This was, I think, owing 
chiefly to the ill-judged confidence which the minister placed in M. de 
Chaumont, who showed neither judgment nor secrecy. On that account 
many enterprises were laid aside that I had brought almost to the point of 
execution. On the last instance of this kind a number of troops had 
arrived at L'Orient, and in the moment when I expected them to have 
embarked, with their general the Marquis de la Fayette, the expedition 
was laid aside. I was then charged with a convoy with troops and miH- 
tary stores for the different ports and garrisons in the Bay of Biscay, and 
on my return to L'Orient to drive the enemy's privateers out of the bay, 
had M. de Chaumont then remained at Paris instead of meeting me again, 
as he did at L'Orient, that want of subordination which was so fatal to my 
projects would have been avoided. If your Excellency will please to call 
for my official letter, written at the Texel, the 3d of October, 1779, you 
will be convinced that if M. de Chaumont had confined himself to his own 
duty, which was that of commissary of the armament, and not interfered 
with or caballed against mine, as the military commander, I might have 
rendered many more important services. I might have taken eight sail 
of homeward bound East India ships, which entered Limerick in Ireland 
without convoy, three days after I was obliged to leave the entrance of 
that port, and of which I had received particular advice fi-om England, 
before I left France. I might have taken or destroyed the whole Baltic 
fleet, which would have prevented Admiral Rodney from relieving Gib- 
raltar. I might have destroyed or laid under contribution various towns 
and their shipping round the Irish and British coasts. And I might have 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 243 

entered the Texel with my ships in such good condition as might have 
enabled me to take under my convoy the Indien, and a large fleet of 
transports, loaded with stores and materials for the marine, that then 
waited there for my escort tor Brest. That these projects failed must 
stand to M. de Chaumont's account. I shall say but little of the services 
that were actually performed ; of which, however, the prizes taken and 
sent into port, or destroyed, make but the least part. I expected at that 
moment that a great army would have made a descent in the south of 
England, under the cover of the combined thets ; and it was therefore of 
the utmost consequence to make a great divei"sion in the north to favor 
that design. I think I may say I did my duty in that respect, and though 
almost left alone, nothing but a tempest that arose in the moment when I 
should have made a descent, could have hindered me from laying Leith, 
and perhaps Edinburg too, under contribution. 1 need not mention that 
Admiral Rodney was detained two months in port by my affair vath the 
Baltic fleet ; or that my situation in Holland, and before I arri\'ed there, 
caused no less than 42 British ships of war and frigates to be sent in pur- 
suit of me, and posted to intercept me in every quarter. And the world 
knows that my conduct in the Texel was a great cause of the British 
resentment against Holland, and stands as the first article in the declara- 
tion of war against that republic. On the whole, my Lord, it cannot be 
admitted that the government of France, having generously taken by the 
hand the young Ilepublic of Ameiica, and having been so beneficent as 
to arm and support a naval force at His ilajesty's expense, under the com- 
mission and flag of America, should wish to put the Americans who served 
as the officers and men, under any other laws than those of Congress, 
which I here subjoin, and agreeably to which I pledged myself to every 
individual among them at the time when I engaged them, viz : 

"'In Congress, Wednesday, October 30th, 1116. 
" ' Resolved, Thai the commanders, officers, seamen, and marines in the 
Continental navy, be entitled to one half of merchantmen, transports, and 
storeships by them taken, from and after the fii-st day of November, 17*76, 
to be di\nded among them in the shares and proportions fixed by former 
Resolutions of Congress : that the commandei-s, officei-s, seamen, and 
marines of the Continental navy be entitled to the whole value of all ships 
and vessels of war belonging to the crown of Great Britain by them made 
prize of, and all privateei-s authorised by his Britannic Majesty to war 
against these States, to be divided as aforesaid.' 

" The Americans were every one of them treated at their enlistment, 
and during the whole ser\'ice, by the laws of the American flag, and the 



244 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

few of them who were paid theii' wages, were paid by the rules of 
Congress, from which, neither my duty as their agent, nor my honor as 
their commander, can now permit me to recede. As I went into the Texel 
in obedience to orders, and as my prizes and prisoners were there taken 
out of mj hands, a circumstance of inexpressible mortification to me, and 
remained in the direction of the Due de la Vauguyon, they were not at 
the risk of the captors ; and, therefore, the expenses made in Holland 
cannot stand against the sale of the prizes. I admit that the Serapis had 
need of repairs in the upper works and masts, but being a new ship that 
had cost the British government 50,000 guineas, I deny that she wanted 
either anchore or cables while in mv hands. The Countess of Scarborough 
sustained httle or no damage m'TEe battle, and therefore had as little need ht 
of repairs. It cannot be made appear from the sale of that ship or the 
Serapis, that they fetched a greater price on account of any repairs at the 
Texel : the Serapis arrived at L'Orient dismasted and in a worse condition 
than when she entered the Texel, and as the officers of the port of L'Orient 
cut to pieces and destroyed her orlop-deck with all the magazines and 
storerooms, &c. before I knew anything of the matter (which obliged me 
to make a journey to Paris, to obtain an order from government for the 
sale of my prizes agreeably to the laws of the American flag), I think if 
the account was fairly stated there would be an indemnification due to the 
captors for the injury thereby done to their hardly earned property, 
without their leave or consent. As the captors were not consulted 
respecting the expense of the Serapis at Dunkirk, nor the disarmament of 
that ship at L'Orient, which were no advantage to her sale, those articles 
ought not to stand against them in the account. And I never heard that 
even the owners of privateers, far less an established government, had 
charged the captors with the expense of provision for themselves or their 
prisoners ! The expense made by Captain Cottineau regards not the 
captoi-s : it is for him to show his authority for having made that expense, 
and the vouchere to support the different articles. I remember that I sent 
M. Chamillard express from the Texel to Versailles on my arrival ; but 
that was surely a necessary expense of the armament, and cannot regard 
the captoi-s. Whether M. Le Ray de Chaumont is indebted to the 
government, or the government is, as he says, indebted to him, is a matter 
that ought not to regard the captors, but they have a right to claim the 
protection of government to force M. Le Ray de Chaumont to render the 
money with interest, which he has unjustly detained fi'om them for four 
years and a half, while many of them are perishing with cold and hunger. 
" In short, it can make no diflference to the captors whether the ships 
that I commanded under the flag and commission of Congress were owned 
by the king or by the United States. Therefore I am ready to admit all 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 245 

regulations and charges on the sale of my prizes, which have been usually 
admitted on other prizes sold in France, and taken by frigates owned by 
Congress. But I am persuaded that you will not think it just that 
anything should be deducted from the shares of the Americans on account 
of the Hospital of Invalids at Paris ; as they receive no benefit from that 
hospital, but have on the contrary been pensioned by Congi-ess for the 
wounds they have received. 

" I am, with full confidence in your justice and generosity, my Lord 
Marechal, 

« Yours," &c. 



''Paris, March 6tk, 1Y84. 
" The Marechal de Castries, 
" My Lord Marechal, 

" Mr. Chardon has just now put into my hands a letter written to your 
excellency by M. le Ray de Chaumont, dated at Passy the 9th instant ; — 
M. le Ray de Chaumont appeai-s by that letter to insinuate that I was 
under his orders. That insinuation merits nothing but my contempt. He 
might as well pretend that the Marquis de la Fayette, with whom I had 
the honor to be joined in command for an important expedition (which 
failed only through the unwise confidence that had been placed in the 
secrecy of M. le Ray de Chaumont by the minister of marine), was also 
under his orders. For my own part, as I had served with reputation in 
America from the beginning of the war, and was through Mr. Franklin, in 
consequence of the high opinion the minister had of my bravery and good 
conduct, &c., invited by the government to remain in Europe to command 
secret expeditions, with a force at the expense of the king, but under the 
commission, laws, and flag of the United States, I made it a condition 
that I should receive orders only from the minister, or ministei-s of 
Congress ; and while I remained in Europe I never received any other. 
T had before that time declined to accept a captain's commission in the 
Royal navy, which Count d'Orvilliers had offered to procure for me ; and 
at any time, and in every situation, I would have disdained to prostitute 
my honor under the orders of so light-headed a man as M. le Ray de 
Chaumont, He seems to claim also the idea for intercepting the British 
Baltic fleet, an idea which did not originate either with the minister or M. 
le Ray de Chaumont, but which had been, with many others,, suggested 
to governmenl by myself at and before the time when I was first invited 
to come from Brest to Vereailles. But I beg leave to refer your excellency 
to the Marquis de la Fayette, who knows that M. le Ray de Chaumont 
was regarded only as a simple commissary, and was therefore under my 



246 LIFE OF JOHN PAFL JONES. 

orders, instead of my being under his. I aver, that if M. le Ray de 
Chaumont had not been entrusted with the secret of the service intended, 
the views of the minister would have been not only fulfilled, but far 
exceeded. I had, however, a much greater latitude given me by my 
orders from Mr. Franklin than M. Chaumont seems to imagine : and it is 
clear from the strong and pointed letter of recommendation which I carried 
with me to Congress, approving and applauding my whole conduct, that 
the king and his ministei's were perfectly satisfied, and even asked of 
Congress to send me back again to Europe, to command a larger force, 
which would have been done if the circumstances of America had not 
rendered it impracticable. 

" M. le Ray de Chaumont seems to be ignorant that the American 
agent in Holland had, and can have no power whatever over the property 
of the captoi-s. It is a power which even Congi-ess has not reserved, and 
which is contrary to the established laws of the American navy. As to 
deducting from the prize money foui- deniei-s per livre for the Hospital of 
Invalids at Paris, because the expense of the armament I commanded 
was taken from the funds of the royal navy, &c., I presume M. le Ray de 
Chaumont might, with more modesty, have spared that observation to 
your Excellency. It is certain that the government of France foresaw 
that an expense would attend the armament I was so generously invited 
to command under the laws and flag of America, and it is not my 
place, much less that of such a man as M. le Ray de Chaumont, to 
intrude such pitiful observations as may militate against, or diminish the 
value of such delicate acts of friendship between two aUied nations. 

" I can only recur to facts mentioned to your Excellency in rny former 
letters, viz. — The force I commanded was under the commission, laws, and 
flag of the United States, and the officers and men were engaged under 
my command, as in the American navy. I received my orders as an 
American officer from the Minister of Congress, and it follows that the 
captors are entitled in eveiy light to be treated exactly by the laws of the 
American navy. And whatever underetanding there may have been 
between the two governments respecting the expense of the armament^ it 
makes not the least difference to the captors. I but ask for justice for the 
brave men I commanded, and I expect no less from a generous mind like 
yours. I am, with profound respect, &c." 

''Paris, March 2Gth, 1784. 
"My Lord Marechal, 

"The within copy of a letter which I had the honor to receive yesterday 
from Mr. Franklin, will convince you that he never consented, and could 
not consent to the manner projjosed by your predecessor and by M. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 247 

le Ray de Chaumont for settlement of the prize money due to the 
American ofRcei-s and men who served under my ordere in Europe. 

" I will not now complain that the prisoners which I took and carried 
to Holland were not exchanged for the Americans who had been taken 
in war upon the ocean, and were long confined in English dungeons by 
civil magistrates, as traitors, pirates, and felons. I will only say, / had 
such a promise from the Minister of marine. It was all the reward 
I asked tor the anxious days and sleepless nights I passed, and the many 
dangers I encountered in glad hope of giving them all their liberty, and 
if I had not been assured that Mr. Franklin had made an infallible 
arrangement with the courts of France and England for their immediate 
redemption, nothing but a superior force should have wrested them out 
of my hands, till they had been actually exchanged for the unhappy Ame- 
ricans in England." 

"Fassy, March 2oth, 1784. 
" The Hon. Paul Jones, Esq., Paris. 

" Sir, 

" I return herewith the papei-s you communicated to me yesterday. I 
perceive by the extract from M. de Sartine's letter, that it was his intention 
all the charges which had accrued upon the Serapis and Countess of 
Scarborough should l>e deducted from the prize-money payable to the 
captors, particularly the expense of victualling the prisoners and seamen, 
and that the liquidation of those charges should be referred to me. This 
liquidation, however, never was referred to me ; and if it had, I should 
have been cautious of acting in it, having received no power fi'om the 
captors, either French or Americans, authorizing me to decide upon any 
thing respecting their interests. And I certainly should not have agreed 
to charge the American captors with any part of the expense of maintain- 
ing the 500 prisoners in Holland till they could be exchanged, when none 
of them were exchanged ibr the Americans in England, as was your 
intention, and as we both had been made to expect. 
" With great esteem, I have the honor to be, &c. 

"B.Franklin." 

''Paris, 13 th, 1784. 

" His Excellency the Marechal de Castries. 
" My Lord Marechal, 
*' I am exceedingly sensible of the favor you did me yesterday by having 
the goodness to relinquish the claim that was made for deducting four 
deniers per U\Te for the Hospital of InvaUds at Paris, from the prize 



248 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

money clue to the Americans who served in the squadron I had the 
honor to command in Europe. And as you have been so obliging as 
to postpone your ordere for the final hquidation of the prize money till I 
have time to show you more particular causes than I have yet done, why 
the expenses incurred in the Texel should not be taken from the property 
of the captors, I have no doubt but that the following circumstances will 
induce your Excellency to relinquish that charge, which is now the only 
difficulty remaining. 

"I was ordered by Mr. FrankHn to enter the Texel the last of Septem- 
ber, but I could not reach it, notwithstanding my best endeavours, till the 
3d of October. Therefore, I had not time to have previously landed the 
prisoners in France. And as the Bon homme Richard sank after the 
battle, it was absolutely necessary that the prizes, the Scrapis and Count- 
ess of Scarborough, should accompany the Alliance and Pallas into the 
Texel; for those two last mentioned ships had not sufficient water and 
provision, and (being crowded with the remains of the crew of the Bon 
homme Richard) would not contain the prisoners, Avhich were between 
five and six hundred in number. During the whole time, which was three 
months in the Texel, the Serapis and Cotintess of Scarborough were 
employed as prison-ships, and the small repairs of those two prizes in that 
road make but an inconsiderable part, a sixth perhaps, of the whole 
expense ; so that the service they performed was at least worth the repairs 
they received. Had it not been for the prisoners, the Serapis and Count- 
ess of Scarborough, after they were taken, might have been immediately 
ordered for French or American ports ; for they had plenty of water and 
provisions, and the Serapis was made perfectly manageable, and sailed fast 
under her jury-masts ; so that they could have been out of danger before 
the enemy had placed their cruising squadrons to intercept them : 
whereas by their being detained till the middle of winter in the Texel, 
where they were blockaded by the enemy, they ran an infinitely greater 
risk ; and therefore the captors had a just right to look upon government 
as the assurers of those prizes. Mr. Chaumont persuaded the minister of 
marine to take the Serapis for the king, without exposing that prize to 
sale. The minister sent his ordei-s in consequence to L'Orient ; and the 
people of that port destroyed the orlop-deck, magazines, store-rooms, 
galleries, breast-works, and barricades, &c. in order to make such altera- 
tions in that prize as they thought fit. When I saw this, I came from 
L'Orient to court, and the minister was so much convinced that Mr. 
Chaumont's advice was wrong that he, without difficulty, gave immediate 
ordere for the public sale of all my prizes, agreeably to the laws of the 
American navy. But the Serapis was much more damaged by the 
operations just mentioned that had been made previously to her sale, than 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 24:9 

the value of her repairs in the Texel ; to say nothing of her having been 
dismasted and losing anchors and cables by vaolent weather, on her passage 
from the Texel to L'Orient : therefore, taking all circumstances together, 
the repairs in the Texel were far from being of any advantage to her sale. 
She cost the King at public sale only 240,000 livres ; whereas she had 
when new, six months before, cost the British government 50,000 guineas. 
The expense in the Texel arose chiefly from the provision that was sup- 
plied fi'om Amsterdam for the prisoners ..and the crews of the ships that 
guarded them ; and fi-om the provision, repairs, and outfits for the frigates 
the Alliance and Pallas, and the small brigantine Vengeance. Now if 
any part of those expenses were chargeable to the captors, the same 
principle carried a little ferther, would make them liable for the first 
cost and second outfit of the armament before the squadron sailed from 
France, and oblige them to sustain the loss of the Bon homme Richard. 
If America had asked of France to support that armament under the 
Continental flag, or if I had asked for that command, the matter might 
have had a difterent complexion. But it was an act of the King's fi-ee 
bounty, and his Majesty is too generous to lessen it by any afterclaims 
that are beneath his dignity. If it were asked why Americans should be 
placed on a more favorable footing than the subjects of France ? I would 
answer that question by asking why Americans should be expected 
to accept an invitation from France which should put them on a more 
unfavorable footing than that on which France found them ? Does not 
France pay foreign troops in her service more than she pays her own 
subjects ? 

" Permit me, my lord, to conclude by saying that no equal expense in 
the war was made with so groat eftect, or had such good consequence, as 
that made by the ships I commanded in the Texel ; since Holland was 
thereby drawn into the war, without which the world would not have 
been this day at peace. — Had I known any thing of the order of the mi- 
nister to Mr. Chaumont respecting the expense in the Texel, I am cei'tain 
that, on my representation, he would have revoked it, as he did his order 
to the commandant at L'Orient respecting the alteration of the Serapis ; 
both of which Mr. Chaumont obtained by misrepresenting facts, and by 
falsely saying it was the desire of Mr. Franklin. 

"I am, with profound respect, &c." 

'^ Paris, Nov. 6th, 1784. 
" His Excellency the Marechal de Castries. 
"My Lord Marechal, 
" By the state of the liquidation and repartition of the prizes taken by 



250 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the squadron I commanded in Europe, which you signed the 23d of Is^t 
month, I find there is an error made in the proportion due to the Ven- 
geance. That tender was armed with only twelve four-pounders and sixty 
men, as you will see by the enclosed certificate of tha second lieutenant. I 
am exceedingly sorry for this mistake, which ought to have been avoided. 
I beseech your Excellency to give orders that it may be rectified. 

" I am, with respect, &c." 

''Paris, June 23d, 1785. 
" His Excellency the Marechal de Castries. 
" My Lord Marechal, 

" By the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me on the 
13th of May last, you were pleased to promise that as soon as M. Chardon 
should have sent you the liquidation of my prizes, ' which yo^i expected 
without delay, ^ you would take measures for the payment, and that you 
would let me know. 

" Fi-om the great number of affairs more important that engage your 
attention, I presume this httle matter which concerns me in a small 
degree personally, but chiefly as the agent of the brave men who served 
under my orders in Europe, may have escaped your memory. Since the 
first of November, 1783, when I received authority to settle this business 
with your Excellency, I have been waiting here for no other purpose, and 
constantly expecting it to be concluded from month to month. To say 
nothing of my expenses during so long an interval, the uncei'tainty of my 
situation has been of infinite prejudice to my other concerns. My long 
silence is a proof that nothing but necessity could have prevailed on me to 
take the hberty of reminding your Excellency of your promise. I hope 
for the honor of your final determination, and I am, with great respect, 

" Yours, &c." 

''Paris, ., 1785. 

" His Excellency the Marechal de Castries. 
" My Lord Marechal, 
"By the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me the 27th 
ult., you are pleased to desire me to address myself to the Ordonnateur at 
L'Orient for the payment of the prizes made by the squadron I had the 
honor to command, and you are pleased to inform the Marquis de la 
Fayette, that you had assigned the funds necessary for that object. I have 
the honor to remind your Excellency that I came from America to France 
in the character of agent for the American captors, who served in the Bon 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 251 

homme Richard and in the Alhance. Therefore, that no misundei-standing 
may ensue between myself and the Ordounateur at L'Orient, I must pray 
you, my lord, to give orders that the shares due to those two ships, (after 
deducting what is due to the subjects of France who served in the Bon 
homme Richard,) may be immediately paid into my hands in mass, 
agreeably to your Excellency's decision, in the state of the liquidation of 
my prizes, which you signed the 23d of October last, and conformable to 
the powers with which I am vested, which were announced to you by the 
Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, in a letter dated in Decem- 
ber, 1783. 

" I am, my lord, with profoundest respect, &c." 

''Paris, July 8th, 1785. 
" His Excellency the Marechal de Castries. 
"My Lord Marechal, 

"I had the honor to reply the 23d of last month to the letter your 
excellency did me the honor to write me on the 17th. I enclosed a copy 
of my public credentials, and referred you on the subject of my mission 
from Congress to an official letter written to you by the minister plenipo- 
tentiary of the United States, dated the 18th of December, 1783. From 
these documents, and as I have already given ample security to the United 
States, for the foithful performance of the trust reposed in me by the act 
of Congress, of the 1st of November, 1783, I naturally concluded that you 
■would immediately see the impropriety of my giving you the security of a 
subject of France for funds arising from my prizes, which belong to the 
subjects of the United States. If it were possible that any doubt could 
remain in your mind respecting my public mission, I should refer you to 
a letter which I had the honor to put into your hands on my return to 
France, from the Chevalier de la Luzerne. As particular reasons render 
it extremely inconvenient, if not impossible for me to attend this business 
any longer, I shall take the liberty to wait on your excellency to-morrow, 
to be favored with your final determination, 

" I am, with great respect, yours," &c. 

''Paris, July 10th, 1785. 
" His Excellency the Marechal de Castries. 
"My Lord Marechal, 

"I have the honor to enclose an official answer fi-om Mr. Jeflferson, 
minister plenipotentiary fi-om the United States at the court of France, to 
a letter written to him yesterday by your excellency, on the subject of my 



252 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

mission from Congress, to settle with you the claims of the subjects of 
America on the prizes that were taken in Europe by the squadron I 
commanded. 

" Mr. d'Umons informed me yesterday that the concerned in the 
privateer La Granville, had, a few days ago, claimed a share in two of my 
prizes, the May-Flower, and the Fortune, by virtue of a sentence given to 
that effect by a coui-t of justice. To that sentence I can offer no objection ; 
because the La Granville was present when those two prizes were taken. 
But since the sentence of the court has very pointedly excluded the La 
Granville from any share in the other prizes that were taken by the 
squadron after that vessel had returned to a port of France, I beg leave to 
submit to your excellency to decide the question, whether the captors who 
purchased the other prizes, and particularly the Serapis, at the expense of 
their blood, will not have reason to be discontented if the Cerf, that 
returned to a port of France at the same time with the La Granville, 
should be allowed to share in all the prizes ? 

" Whatever may be your excellency's determination on that point, it 
can make no difference to me, as far as I am personally concerned, and I 
mention it again now because, should you think fit to order a new 
arrangement in that respect, it can, under the present circumstances, give 
no additional trouble to the ' Bureau.' 

" I am, with great respect, yours," &c. 

"■L' Orient, July 29th, 1785. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq., ) 
Minister Plenipotentiary of the United V 
States to the Court of France. ) 

" Sir, 
"I have been with M. Clonot, the Ordonnateur here, to whom the 
Marechal de Castries sent orders, the 15th of this month, to pay into my 
hands the money arising to the subjects of the United States from the 
prizes taken by the squadron I commanded in Europe. I find that a 
French merchant, M. Puchilberg, of this place, who opposed Dr. Franklin, 
and did all in his power to promote the revolt that took place in the 
Alliance, has produced a letter of attorney, which he obtained from the 
officers and men of that frigate when their minds were unsettled, author- 
ising him to receive their share in the prizes. And notwithstanding the 
orders of the Marechal of the 15th, I find there is a disposition here to 
pay the money to M. Puchilberg in preference to me. 

" When I undertook the difficult and disagreeable business of settling 
for the prize-money with the Marechal de Castries, I thought it necessary, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 253 

to prevent any reflection on my conduct, to give security for two hundred 
thousand dollars, to remit the money I recovered to the treasury of the 
United States, to be from thence divided among the persons concerned. 
Not to mention the great expense I have been at, and the loss of two 
years of my time since the peace, to obtain a settlement, I may be pei'mit- 
ted to say that M. Puchilberg was at no expense, and never took any 
effectual steps to obtain a settlement of the prize-money ; and it would 
have been very difficult, if not impossible, for him to have obtained any 
satisfaction for the concerned, because no other man but myself (except 
Dr. Franklin, who would not act) could have explained, at Versailles, the 
nature and circumstances of my connexion Avith that court. And I may 
add, that M. Puchilberg will not, and cannot, if he had the best intentions, 
do justice to the subjects of America. He has given no security to do 
them justice. He has no authentic roll of the crew of the Alliance, which 
can only be had in America, and he is unacquainted with the manner of 
classing the officers and men in the division of })rize-money by the laws of 
the American flag. 

" What I request of you, therefore, is, to write to the court to obtain an 
explicit order from the Marechal de Castries to M. Clonet, to pay into my 
hands the whole mass of the prize-money that appears due to the Alliance, 
and also the share of the Bon homme Richard (after deducting the 
proportion due to the French volunteers, who were embarked on board 
the ship as marines). 

" As my situation here is exceedingly disagreeable, because till this new 
difficulty is removed I cannot receive any part of the money that appears 
due, I shall hope to be relieved from my embarrassment as soon as 
possible, by a letter from you. 

" They have objected here, that the captain of the Alliance was born in 
France. But he had abjured the chiu-ch of Rome, and been naturalized 
in America (as his officers reported to me) before he took command of the 
Alliance, and his crew were all the subjects of the United States. 

" I am sorry to give you this trouble, but I am convinced that the 
business would have continued in suspense for a long time, if I had not 
come here myself. 

" I am, with great esteem and respect, sir, yours, &c. 

" N.B. M. Clonet has written to court by this post, therefore it will be 
necessary to make your application immediately. M. Barclay can givo 
you the character of M. Puchilberg. 



254: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

'T Orient, July 31s<, lYSS. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" I had the honor to wiite you the 29th of this month, praying you to 
address the court to prevent M. Puchilberg, a French merchant here, fi'om 
receiving the prize-money due to the subjects of the United States who 
served on board the squadron I commanded in Europe. I have done my 
duty, and with great trouble and expense both of time and money, obtained 
a settlement in their favor from government. But if M. Puchilberg (who 
has taken no trouble, and been at no expense to obtain a settlement) should 
receive the money, the greatest part of it will never reach America, nor 
find its way into the pockets of the ca]:)toi"s. Were M. Puchilberg the 
most honest man in the world, he cannot, at this distance from America, 
and being ignorant of the laws of the American flag, do justice to the 
concerned. Besides, a preference is due to the appliaition of one govern- 
ment to another for what regards the interests of its subjects, especially 
where it is clear that every caution has been observed for obtaining justice 
to each individual. 

" The enclosed copy of a letter, which has just now been communicated 
to me, fi'om Monsieur de Soulanges, a M.M. les Juges Consuls, dated at 
Toulon, the 14th day of this month, announcing that the Algerines have 
declared war against the United States, is of too serious a nature not to be 
sent immediately to you. 

" This event may, I believe, surprise some of our fellow-citizens ; but, 
for my part, I am rather surprised that it did not take place sooner. It 
will produce a good eftect, if it unites the people of America in measures 
consistent with their nationid honor and interest, and rouses them from 
that ill-judged security which the intoxication of success has produced 
since the revolution. 

" My best wishes will always attend that land of freedom, and my pride 
will be always gratified when such measures are adopted as will make us 
respected as a great people who deserve to be free. 

" I am, Sir, with gTeat esteem," &c. 

Copie de la lettre de M. Soulanges, a M. M. les Juges et Consuls 

de Nantes. 

" Toulon, le 14 Juillet, 1785. 

" M. le Commandeur de Segondes, qui arrive d' Alger sur la fregate la 
Min^rve qu'il commande, M. M. m'a rendu compte en Mouillant dans cette 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 255 

rade, que cette Regence faisait arnier 8 batiments, tant chebecs que 
barques, depuis 18 jusqu' a 34 canons destines a croiser du Cap St. 
Vincent aux Azores, pour y prendre les Americains, a qui ils declarent la 
guerre. Je vous en donne avis sur le champ, M. M., tant pour les interets 
que votre place peut prendre dans ces batiments, que pour que vous veuillez 
bien en donner avis aux capitaines Americains. 

" Les Algeriens ont une autre division de 4 batiments, mais trop petits 
pour donner de I'inquifetude dans nos mers. 

" SOULANGES." 



"■ L' Orient, August llth, 1785. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" I am still waiting for a decision respecting tlie claim of M. Pucbilberg. 
But I think it my duty to inform you that one or two of the common 
sailors that served on board the Alliance, when that frigate was under my 
orders, are now here in a merchant vessel, and, as I am this moment 
informed, they have been persuaded to write to M. Puchilberg, desiring 
that their share in the prizes may not be sent to America, but paid to 
them here. This, I am told, has been urged as a reason to the Marechal 
to induce him to decide in favor of M. Puchilberg's claim. Those two 
men will, however, sail in a day or two for Boston, and perhaps may nevei* 
return to France ; besides, their objection is too ti-ifling to be admitted, as 
it would greatly injure the other persons, both officers and men of that 
crew, who would, in all probability, never receive any part of their prize- 
money unless they should come from America to L'Orient on purpose ; 
which would not pay their expenses. 

" As the post is just going, I must defer answering the letter you did 
me the honor to write me on the 3d, till another opportunity. 

" I am, with great esteem, &c. 

" N.B. I beg you therefore to write again to the Marechal de Castries." 

"L'Orient, Augiist Idth, 1Y85. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 
"I am by this day's post honored with yours of the 13th current, 
which appeal's to have been intended to be forwarded by M. Carnes. I 
esteem myself particularly obliged by that mark of your attention ; but as 
there is no mention made of my letter to you of the 31st ult., I presume 



256 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

it has miscarried, and it is therefore that I have now written the foregoing 
copy. The 6th of this month, finding a ship here bound directly for 
Philadelphia, I sent a copy of Monsieur de Soulanges' letter to Mr. Jay for 
the information of Congress. I had the honor to write to you on the iTth 
to inform you, that I was just then told that two of the seamen, formerly 
of the Alliance frigate, Avho are now here in a brig belonging to Boston, 
have been wrought upon by an expectation of immediately receiving their 
prize money, to desire that M. Puchilberg might, in their name, object to 
sending the prize-money of the AUiance to America. That brig is now 
at Port Louis, and will sail for Boston it is supposed to-morrow morning. 

" I am, with great esteem," &c. 

"Z'On'm^, August 2Uh, 1785. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jeffi;rson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" I yesterday received the letter you did me the honor to wi-ite me on 
the I'Zth, mentioning the difficulty made by the Marechal de Castries in 
his letter to you of the 12th, and that you had removed that difficulty by 
your answer. I am exceedingly sensible of the favor you do me by your 
attention to my situation here ; and it gives me great concern that it is 
not in my power to send you the roll you ask for of the crew of the 
Alliance. The rolls were in the proper time sent to court, and put into 
the hands of Mr. de Sartine by M. Genet, first Commissioner of foreign 
affairs, the certificate of which I have among my papers at Paris ; and 
the Marechal de Castries might remember that I showed him and that he 
read that certificate. Those rolls, however, have been mislaid or lost in 
the bureau. Copies of them were sent at the same time to Dr. Franklin, 
who, I suppose, put them into the hands of M. le Ray de Chaumont ; but 
since my return, I never could obtain any account of them. A third set 
of the rolls I carried with me to America, and before I embarked in the 
French fleet at Boston I put them into the hands of Mr. Secretary Living- 
ston ; and they were sealed up among the papers of his office when I left 
America. It is, however, impossible that any legal demands should be 
made on you for French subjects in consequence of your engagement to 
the Marechal. The Alliance was manned in America, and I never heard 
of any person's ser\ing on board that frigate who had been born in France 
except the captain, who, as I was informed, had in America abjured the 
church of Rome and been naturahzed. 

" I have made all the inquiry I have been able here respecting the 
expedition you mentioned in a former letter ; but I have not obtained 
much satisfaction. I propose to go to Brest. " I am," &c. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 257 

'•'■ L Orient^ September 5ih, 1785. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 
" I am just returned here from Brest, -where I have passed several days. 
I have received your letter of the 29th ult. with the copy of that written 
to you by the Marechal de Castries, the 26th, and I have reason to expect 
in consequence, that my affairs here will be finished as soon as the 
formalities of the bureau will permit. I shall obtain a roll of the Alliance, 
conformable to the pretensions of Puchilberg- ; which, though perhaps not 
quite exact, may however answer all your purposes. I really do not 
beheve that ever any claims vdll be made on joii ; for I never heard that 
any French subject had served on board that frigate except the captain, 
and I commanded the Alliance in person seven months. 

" I am. Sir, &c. 

"N.B. I take the liberty to enclose a letter for M. Ledyard. It 
contains a small bill. If he is not at Paris, I request you to keep the 
letter tiU I come. 



''Paris, October 8th, 1785. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 
" As the Baron de Waltersdorff does not return here, as was expected, 
and I wish to apply, without farther loss of time, to the Court of Denmark, 
for a compensation for the pi-izes taken by the squadron I commanded in 
Europe, and given up to the British, by the people in authority at Bergen 
in Norway ; if you approve it, I -will assign the powers I received, for that 
business from Congress, to my friend Dr. Bancroft in London. You will 
oblige me therefore, if you will write to Mr. Adams, requesting him to 
support Dr. Bancroft's application through the Danish minister in London. 
" I am, with gi-eat respect and esteem," &c. 

''Paris, February 28th, 1786. 

" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 

" Dear Sir, 

" I received the kind note you wi-ote me this morning, on the occasion 
of receinng my bust ; I offered it to you as a mark of my esteem and 
respect for your virtues and talents. It has been remarked by professed 
judges that it does no discredit to the talents of M. Houdon ; but it 

17 



258 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

receives its value from yoiu- acceptance of it, with the assurance you give 
me of your particular esteem, which will ever be felt by me as an honor 
truly flattering. 

"I am, dear Sir, ^vith gi-eat esteem," &c. 

''Paris, August 9th, 11 86. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" As it now appears by the reply I have just received from Mr. Adams, 
dated London the 1 Yth of last month, which I had the honor to commu- 
nicate to you, that his letter to the Baron de Waltersdorff, respecting my 
prizes dehvered up to the Enghsh at Bergen in Norway, in the year 1119, 
by the court of Denmark has not been answered ; and as the Baron de 
Waltersdorff is now gone to the West Indies, and Mr. Adams advises me 
in his letter, to apply to the Danish minister at his court ; it now becomes 
my duty to ask your advice and assistance in the steps that remain to be 
pursued, to obtain a compensation from the government of Denmark for 
those prizes. 

" And in order to give you the necessary information on this subject, I 
here subjoin some extracts fi-om the papers left in my hands by Mr. 
Frankhn, to wit : 

No. 1. Extract of a letter from Monsieur Duchezaulx, Consul of France, 
to M. Caillard, Charge des affaires du Roi a Copenhagen, dated a 
Berghen en Norvege le 14 July 1779. 

" Les deux dites pi-ises sont considerables ; elles etoient armees en 
guerre et en merchandises, et les commandants pourvus de commissions 
aux Lettres de Marque ; savoir Z' Union de Londres, du port de 400 
tonneaux arme de 22 canons de 6, et 4 livres de balle, plusieurs pierriei-s 
et autres armes ; charge de cables, cordage, et toile a voile, enfin tout ce 
qu'il faut en ce genre pour le grement de sept Batiments de guerre, avec 
plusieurs autres etfets, destines pour Quebec ; et le Betsey/ de Liverpool, 
du port de 350 tonneaux arme de 20 canons de 6, et de 2 de 9 livres de 
balle, 12 pierriers et autres armes, charge de fleur de farine, boeuf, et 
lard sales, et autres provisions et merchandises destines pom* la Nouvelle 
York et la Jamaique. Les deux cargaisons peuvent 6tre evalues au 
moins un million de livres." 

No. 2. Extract from a letter written by the Consul of France, before 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL J O Is E S . 259 

mentioned, to Dr. Franklin, minister of America at the court of 
France, dated a Berghen le 26 Oct. IVYO. 

" H m'est douloureux au-dela de toute expression, d'avoir a vous infor- 
mer aujourdliui, que les deux prises, the Betsey and the Union, ont ete 
ces jours ci restituees aux Anglais, en vertu d'une resolution emanee du 
Roi de Danemark : Resolution injuste et contraire au droit des gens." 

No. 3. Extract from the same letter. 

" La valeur de ces deux prises que Ton vous enleve injustement, est au 
moins de 40,000/. sterling, independamment des Frais et I'argent debours6 
par les banquieurs MM. Danekert and Krohn, dont je vous remettrai le 
compte." 

No. 4. Extract of a letter from all the American officers in Norway 
to Dr. Franklin, minister of America in France, dated Berghen, 
January 4th, 1780. 

"The Brigantine Charming Polly, which arrived 14 days after us, was 
likevnse dehvered up in the same manner." 

No. 5. Extract of a letter from the same officers to Dr. Frankhn, dated 
at Bergen, April 11th, 1Y80. 

"Our expenses, while on board the ships, were paid by the English 
Consul ; and those since by the King of Denmark ; which enables us to 
proceed without drawing bills upon France. We have also the protection 
of the Danish flag till our arrival in France." 

" After my return here from L'Orient, you remember I was prevented 
by circumstances from pursuing the application to the Court of Denmark 
in person. The bills I had received were not yet payable, and I thought it 
would be necessary for me to go to America in the spring, to deposit the 
prize-money received from this government in the Continental treasury ; so 
that I was prevented from going to the Court of Denmark. And there 
being no Danish minister here, nor expected here, during the winter, you 
remember your having approved of my deputizing Dr. Bancroft to sohcit 
the Court of Denmark through the Danish minister in London ; and that 
you was so obliging as to join me in requesting Mr. Adams to support 
that apphcation. 



260 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" But as experience has now shewn that this method is slow and 
uncertain ; and as the late order of the Board of Treasury respecting the 
prize-money I have recovered, makes my return to America, on that 
account, at present unnecessary ; I presume the best thing I can do will 
be to proceed to Copenhagen, and there make application to that court. 
If you approve of this, it would be useful for me to have a letter from 
the Count de Vergennes to the Baron de la Houze, minister of France at 
the Danish Court, directing him to support my reclamation. The inter- 
ference of this government may be asked for with propriety, because the 
King had the gallantry to support under the flag of America the squadron 
I commanded in Europe. It is also to be wished that I could carry letters 
with me fi"om the Danish minister at this court, and it is therefore very 
unlucky that he is now absent at the waters. If you think fit to write to 
him, I can, at the same time, obtain and forward a letter from his parti- 
cular friend the minister of the Due de Wertemburg; which may have a 
good effect. I am persuaded that the Count de Vergennes, on my own 
application to him, would immediately give me a proper letter to the 
Baron de la Houze ; but it will be more official to obtain it through your 
application, which I therefore request. 

"As I flatter myself that the Danish Court is still disposed to make a 
compensation, it is necessary for us now to determine on the lowest sum 
to be accepted. Dr. Franklin, in his letter to me from Havre, says the 
result of his letter to a broker in London was, that those Quebec ships 
were worth 16 or 18,000 pounds each. I have reason to believe the 
two ships delivered up, with their cargoes and armament, worth a greater 
sum. And besides, you will observe that the brigantine Charming Polly 
was also delivered up. I cannot judge of the value of this last prize ; 
and perhaps it may be necessary for me to wiite to Bergen to obtain 
information. 

" I am, with respect, &c. 

''Paris, Aug. 2lst, 1Y86. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

"I am much obliged by the letter you sent me fi-om the Count de 
Vergennes to Baron de la Houze, with your own to the Baron de Blome. 
An indisposition that has confined me close for three days, has prevented 
me from observing to you sooner, that Dr. Franklin, in the letter he wTote 
me from Havre, says, the offer made by the Baron de W^altersdorff was 
ten thousand pounds sterling. As you have misapprehended the amount 
of that offer, I take the liberty to return your letter to the Baron de 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 261 

Blome, praying you to alter the word five with your own hand. I should 
be glad to be favored with your opinion whether I ought to accept of any 
sum less than what was offered to Dr. Franklin? It is very improbable 
that a less sum will be offered by the Danish ministers ; but supposing 
them less favorably disposed now than formerly, it is necessary for us to 
be determined beforehand. 

" I have the honor to be, (fee." 

''Paris, Sept. 3(/, 1786. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" Since I had the honor of hearing from you last, my health has not 
permitted me to set out for Denmark. From the information I took at 
the Hotel of the Bai"on de Blome, I understood he was to arrive from the 
waters the 30th ult., so that I thought it better to wait till I could see 
him than to forward your letter. His servants arrived at the time that he 
was himself expected, and informed that the Baron had made a little 
jaunt to Geneva, and would be at Paris the 15th of this month. I now 
have the honor to send you the second copy of the rolls, &c., that you 
lately forwarded to the Board of Treasury. There is sure opportunity for. 
London to-morrow at two o'clock. If you have any letters to send, or if 
you think fit to forward the papers respecting the prize money, I will give 
them in charge to the person who will safely deliver them in London. 

" I am. Sir, with great esteem and respect, yours, <fec." 

Eventually, on the 15tli of July, 1Y85, the Marshal de Cas- 
tries issued an order to pay over to Jones at L'Orient the money 
arising to citizens of the United States from the proceeds of the 
sale of the prizes taken by the squadron under his command 
in Em-ope. The sum total was 181,039 livres, 1 sous, and 10 
deniers. 

Although Congress had approved of the distribution of it 
under the French ordinance, it will be seen in one of the fol- 
lowing letters, that the king behaved with great liberality, not 
even retaining what he might have kept in conformity with the 
regulations of Congress : — 



262 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

''Paris, May 9th, 1186. 
" The Honorable John Jay, Esq. Minister 

for Foreign Affairs, New-York. 
"Dear Sir, 
■ " The application I have made to the court of Denmark for a compen- 
sation for my prizes that were delivered up by that government to the 
British, not having yet produced a decision, prevents me from embarking, 
as was my intention, about this time for America. The prize-money 
arising from my negotiation with the court of France, due to the 
citizens and subjects of the United States, who served on board the Bon 
homme Richard and Alliance (amounting in the gross to 157,483 livres, 
6 sous, 10 deniers), is now ready in my hands. I expect that the 
application which is now depending with the court of Denmark will 
terminate so as to enable me to embark for America before the month of 
September. But lest a longer delay should be found necessary in Europe, 
and prevent my appearance in time for a passage after that date, I shall 
be ready to accept the drafts of Congi-ess at Usance, for the amount in my 
hands. 

" I say nothing of the amount of the allowance that ought in justice 
to be made for the great expense, trouble, and time I have devoted to this 
business from the 1st of November, 1*783. A commission on the sum 
recovered will certainly be no indemnification for my expenses, far less a 
recompense for my time and trouble. 

" I am, with great respect and esteem, &c." 

On the receipt of this information, Congress passed the sub- 
joined resolution : — 

"In Congress, June 1th, 11 86. 

''Resolved, That the Board of Treasury be directed to take such 
measures as may appear to them to be most effectual for procuring accu- 
rate returns of the officers and men serving on board the Bon homme 
Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones, and the frigate Alliance, com- 
manded by Peter Landais, at the time the captures were made by the late 
squadron under the command of John Paul Jones : 

" That the amount of the prize-money paid by Capt. John P. Jones to 
the order of the Board of Treasury, on account of the ofiicers and crew 
of the vessels above-mentioned, be by the said Board distributed to the 
officers and men entitled to receive the same, or to their proper heirs or 
assigns, in proportion to the shares respectively due to them, agreeably to 
the returns above-mentioned, and the ordinances of Congi'ess in that 
behalf made. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JOKES. 263 

Among the papers communicated by Mr. Jefferson for this 
work, is a statement of the settlement, which does not exactly 
coiTespond in the total amount as commimicated to Mr. Jay. 
This may be accounted for, by supposing a proposed deduction 
in his favor, for additional expenses incurred in his prosecution 
of the claim at the Com-t of France, to which he refers in his 
correspondence with Mr. Jefferson : — 

^^Paris, July 1th, 1186. 

" Amount of prize-money belonging to the American part of the crew 
of the Bon homme Richard (and to some few foreigners, whose names 
and qualities, <fec. are inserted in the roll), with the amount also of the 
prize-money belonging to the crew of the Alhance ; received at L'Orient, 
by order of the Marechal de Castries, in bills on Paris, 



" Livres. S. D. 
"181,039 01 10 



" From which deduct, \iz. 

"' Nett amount of my ordinary ex- 
penses since I arrived in Europe to settle 
the prize-money belonging to the citizens 
and subjects of America who served on 
board the squadron I commanded under 
the flag of the United States, at the ex- 
pense of His Most Christian Majesty, 
stated to His Excellency Thomas Jeffer- 
son, Esq. the 4th of this month, 41,912 110 

" Paid the draft of M. le Jeune, for the 
amount of prize-money due to Jacque 
Tual, pilot of the Alhance. 670 13 6 

" Amount of prize-money paid M. de 
Blondel, Lieutenant of Marines of the 
Pallas, as stated on the roll of the Bon 
homme Richard, 283 00 

" Advances made to sundry persons, 
which stand at my credit on the roU of 
the Bon homme Richard, 264 09 6 

"Advances made by me to sundry 
persons belonging to the Bon homme 



264 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Richard ; these advances do not stand at 
my credit on the roll settled at L'Orient 
by M. le Jeune, because the commissary 
had neglected to send him the original 
roll from the Bureau at Vereailles ; but 
that commissary has rectified that omis- 
sion by his certificates, dated Sept. 5th, 
1785, and Feb. 22d, 1786, 6,385 00 

" My share by the roll, as captain of 
the Bon homme Eichard, 13,291 05 6 68,866 19 06 



"Balance nett, 112,712 02 04 

"Paul Jones." 

''Paris, July 4th, 1786. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" I have the honor to enclose for your examination the documents of my 
proceedings with those of this government in the settlement I have 
obtained of the prize-money, belonging to the officers and crews of the 
squadron I commanded in the late war in Europe at the expense of His 
Most Christian Majesty, but under the flag of the United States. By 
those documents, I presume, you will be convinced that, from a want of 
sufficient knowledge of circumstances, it would have been very difficult, if 
not impossible, for any other man (except Dr. Franklin, who never would 
act in it), to have gone through this business. Mr. Barclay made no 
progTess in it, though he was charged with it by Congress two yeai-s and 
a half before I undertook it. I could not obtain an allowance in favor of 
the captors for the service of their prizes as piison-ships in the Texel, not 
for the damage done to the Serapis at L'Orient, previous to her sale ; but 
I have taken care of the honor of the American flag. The American 
captors pay nothing towards the support of the Royal Hospital of Invalids, 
and His Majesty has generously renounced, in favor of the captors, the 
proportion of the sale of the merchant prizes, which, by the laws of the 
flag of America, he might have retained. I ask the favor of you to 
return me those papers with your observations. 

" I enclose also a note of my expenses since I arrived in Europe on this 
business. When I am honored with your sentiments on this subject, I 
will prepare copies of the within papers, and, I flatter myself, comply to 
your satisfaction with the order you have received from the Board of 
Treasury. " I have the honor, &c." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 265 

" Paris^ July 1th, 1786. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

"I have tlie honor to enclose and submit to your consideration the 
account I have stated of the prize-money in my hands, with sundry papers 
that regard the charges. I cannot bring myself to lessen the dividend of 
the American captors by making any charge either for my time or trouble. 
I lament that it has not yet been in my power to procure for them 
advantages as solid and extensive as the merit of their services, I would 
not have undertaken this business from any views of private emolument 
that could possibly have resulted from it to myself, even supposing I had 
recovered or should recover a sum more considerable than the penalty of 
my bond. But I was anxious to force some ill-natured persons to 
acknowledge that, if they did not tell a wilful falsehood, they were 
mistaken when they asserted ' that I had commanded a squadron of 
privateei's !' And, the war being over, I made it my fii-st care to show 
the brave instruments of my success that theu- rights are as dear to me as 
my own. 

" It will, I believe, be proper for me to make oath before you to the 
amount charged for my ordinary expenses. I flatter myself that you will 
find no objection to the account as I have stated it, and that you are of 
opinion that after this settlement has been made between us, my bond 
ought to stand cancelled, as far as regards my transactions with the court 
of France. Should any part of the prize-money remain in the treasury, 
without being claimed, after sufficient time shall be elapsed, I beg leave to 
submit to you — to the treasury — and to Congress, whether I have not 
merited by my conduct since I returned to Europe that such remainder 
should be disposed of in my favor ? 

"I have the honor to be, with great esteem," &c. 

'' Paris, July lOth, 1786. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jeffersox, Esq. 
" Sir, 

"After what you mentioned to me before your favor of this date, 
respecting the imperfect powers you have received from the Board of 
Treasury, I did not expect you to make a settlement with me that should 
be final for the prize-money I have recovered. But as I have produced, 
and still offer you proofs to support the charges I have made, I naturally 
flattered myself and I still hope you will do me the favor to receive and 
transmit them to Congress with your sentiments. This becomes the more 



266 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

necessary to me at present, because from what Dr. Bancroft tells me of the 
apphcation to the court of Denmark, it will be necessary for me to continue 
in Europe for some time longer, and to take your advice on some farther 
steps to obtain an answer from that government. 

" With respect to the balance of tlie prize-money I have recovered, you 
may if you please give an immediate order on me for the amount, or I 
will pay it into your own hands, 

" I have the honor," &c. 

'' Paris, August Uth, 1*786. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Dear Sir, 
" I send you herewith the rolls of the Bon homme Richard and Alliance, 
with copies of the other papers in French, respecting the prize-money of 
the squadron I commanded. They are numbered fi-om 1 to 23, and I 
have left them open for your inspection. I rely on the good effect of your 
observations that will accompany them, with the papers in your hands, to 
Congress, and have no doubt but that my conduct will in consequence be 
approved. The second set of papei-s are not yet finished, but will be ready 
in a few days so as to be forwarded by the next good opportunity, with 
the second set of the papers in English now in your hands. 

" I have the honor," &c. 

Congress afterward confirmed the division of prize money 
made by the French government, and directed the distribution 
thereof to be made amongst the officers and crews of the Bon 
homme Eichard and Alliance, on which subject that body 
passed the following resolution : — 

"In Congress, October Uth, 1787. 

" Congress took into consideration the report of a committee consisting 
of Mr. Smith, Mr. Dane, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Carrington, and Mr. Clarke, to 
whom had been committed a report of the Board of Treasury, and a letter 
of the 18th of July, from Captain John Paul Jones, together with a report 
of the committee of accounts for the marine department relative to the 
division of the prize-money due to the officers and crews of the Bon 
homme Richard and AUiance, and the charges of Captain Jones for 
recovering the same. 

" Resolved, That the quotas assigned to the several ships which were 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 267 

under the command of Captain John Paul Jones in Europe, by direction 
of the court of France, be confirmed and considered as vahd, and that a 
distribution of the prize-money be made amongst the crews of the said 
ships, separately, agi'eeably to such quotas. 

" Resolved, That the monies paid by Captain John Paul Jones into the 
hands of the Hon. Thomas Jefferson, be distributed by the Board of 
Treasury, as soon as may be among the captors, agreeably to the division 
made thereof under the direction of the court of France." 



In virtue of the general authority given to the Chevalier 
Jones to collect all the prize-money due to American citizens 
in Europe, he turned his attention to the reclamation from 
Denmark of the value of the three ships sent into Bergen, in 
Norway. The Baron de Waltersdorff", the Danish minister at 
Paris, not returning in that capacity, and the chevalier being 
anxious to accomplish his object, he proposed, with the appro- 
bation of Mr, Jefferson, on the 8th of October, 1785, to transfer 
the powers confided to him by Congress for that purpose, to 
his confidential friend Dr. Bancroft, then in London, and 
solicited Mr. Jefferson to write to his Excellency John Adams, 
the American minister near the court of St. James, to lend his 
aid in enforcing the demand. Mr. Adams wi-ote to Mr. 
"Waltersdorff on the subject, urging the justice of the claim ; 
but no answer was retm-ned, that minister of Denmark having 
departed for the West Indies. Mr. Adams advised the 
chevalier to apply to the new Danish minister at Paris. This 
minister was absent at the time at some of the watering places, 
and Jones was inclined to proceed directly to Copenhagen. To 
further his views, he procured, through the friendship of Mr. 
Jefferson, from the Count de Yergennes, a letter of intro- 
duction and favor to the Baron de la Houze, French minister 
plenipotentiary at the Danish com-t. This letter is in these 
terms : 



268 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Versailles, August 15th, 1786. 
" The Baron De la Houze, Minister Pleni- 
potentiaiy to the King of Denmark. 
" Sib, 

" Mr. Paul Jones, an officer in the sea service of the United States of 
America, having some business and certain chiims in Denmark, on account 
of prizes which he took during the last war, proposes going on these 
accounts to Copenhagen. You will be pleased, sir, to receive this office 
favorably, to hear what he may wish to communicate on the subject of his 
claim, and to assist him with your counsels and good offices in case he 
should want them, during his stay at your residence. 

" I have the honor of being, with perfect regard, &c. 

"De Vergennes." 

Mr. Jefferson likewise gave the clievalier a letter of introduc- 
tion and friendship to the Danish envoy, Baron Blome, who 
was expected to be in Paris again in a few days. 

The value of the prizes sent into Bergen was estimated at 
the highest at about fifty thousand pounds sterling. A well 
informed English insurer, to whom application had been made, 
to ascertain for what amount they had been insured, considered 
them to be worth from 16 to 18 thousand pounds sterling each ; 
and the Baron de Waltersdorff, on the part of his government, 
had offered to pay ten thousand pounds as an indemnification : 

^' Havre, July 1\st, 1T85. 
" The Honorable Paul Jones. 
" Dear Sir, 

" The offer of which you desire I would give you the particulars, was 
made to me by M. le Baron de Waltersdorff, in behalf of his Majesty the 
King of Denmark, by whose ministers he said he was authorised to make 
it. It was to give us the sum of ten thousand pounds sterling, as a 
compensation for having delivered up the prizes to the English. I did not 
accept it, conceiving it much too small a sum, they having been valued to 
me at fifty thousand pounds. I wrote to Mr. Hodgson, an insurer in 
London, requesting he would procure information of the sums insured on 
these Canada ships. His answer was, that he could find no traces of such 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 269 

insiirance, and he believed none was made, for that the government on 
whose account they were said to be loaded with military stores, never 
insured ; but by the best judgment he could make he thought they might 
be worth about sixteen or eighteen thousand pounds each. 

" With great esteem, <fec. 

" B. Franklin." 



In all his transactions at this period the chevalier regularly 
consulted Mr. Jefferson, and kept up a correspondence with Dr. 
Franklin. Jones, however, suddenly suspended his journey to 
Copenhagen, and, as will be seen in the following letter to Mr. 
Jay, returned to America : 

"■Neiv York, Juhj 18th, 1*787. 
" His Excellency John Jay, Esq., 
Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
" Sir, 

" The application I made for a compensation for our prizes through the 
Danish minister in London not having succeeded, it was determined 
between Mr. Jefferson and myself, that the proper method, to obtain 
satisfaction, was for me to go in person to the court of Copenhagen. It 
was necessary for me to see the Baron de Blome before I could leave 
France on that business, and he being then absent on a tour in Switzerland 
did not return to Paris till the beginning of last winter. I left Paris in the 
spring, and went as far as Brussels on my way to Copenhagen, when an 
unforeseen circumstance in my private affairs, rendered it indispensable for 
me to turn about and cross the ocean. My private business here being 
already finished, I shall in a few days re-embark for Europe, in order to 
proceed to the court of Denmark. It is my intention to go by the way 
of Paris, in order to obtain a letter to the French minister at Copenhagen, 
from the Count de Montmorin, as the one I obtained is from the Count de 
Vergennes. It would be highly flattering to me if I could carry with me 
a letter from Congress to His Most Christian Majesty, thanking him for 
the squadron he did us the honor to support under our flag. And on 
this occasion, sir, permit me, with becoming diffidence, to recal the atten- 
tion of my sovereign to the letter of recommendation I brought with me 
from the court of France, dated 30th May, 1*780. It would be pleasing 
to me, if that letter should be found to merit a place on the journals of 
Congress. Permit me also to intreat that Congress will be pleased to read 



270 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the letter I received from the minister of marine, when his majesty deigned 
to bestow on me a golden hilted sword, emblematical of the happy alliance 
— an honor which his majesty never conferred on any other foreign officer. 
I owed the high favor which I enjoyed at the court of France, in a great 
degree, to the favorable testimony of my conduct, which had been conunu- 
nicated by his majesty's ambassador, under whose eye I acted in the most 
critical situation, in the Texel, as well as to the public opinion of Europe. 
And the letter with which I was honored by the prime minister of France, 
when I was about to return to America, is a clear proof that we might 
have drawn still greater advantages fi-om the generous disposition of our 
ally, if our marine had not been lost whilst I was, by perplexing circum- 
stances, detained in Europe, after I had given the Count de Maurepas my 
plan for forming a combined squadron of 10 or 12 sail of frigates, supported 
by the America, with a detaclanent of French troops on board, the whole 
at the expense of his majesty. 

" It is certain that I am much flattered by receiving a gold sword from 
the most illustrious monarch now living ; but I had refused to accept his 
commission on two occasions, before that time, when some firmness was 
necessary to resist the temptation. He was not my sovereign. I served 
the cause of freedom, and honors from my sovereign would be more 
pleasing. Since the year 1775, when I displayed the American flag for 
the first time, with my own hands, I have been constantly devoted to the 
interests of Amei'ica. Foreigners have perhaps given me too much credit, 
and this may have raised my ideas of my services above their real value, — 
but my zeal can never be overrated. 

" I should act inconsistently if I omitted to mention the dreadful 
situation of our unhappy fellow-citizens in slavery at Algiers. Their 
almost hopeless fate is a deep reflection on our national character in 
Europe. I beg leave to influence the humanity of Congress in then- 
behalf, and to propose that some expedient may be adopted for their 
redem])tion. A fund might be raised for that purpose, by a duty of a 
shilling per month from seamen's wages throughout the continent, and I 
am persuaded that no difficulty would be made to that requisition. 

" I have the honor to be,'' &c. 



Jones when in France had transmitted information of the 
hostile designs of the Algerines against the American trade, in 
a copy of a letter from M. Soulanges, dated at Toulon the 14th 
of July, 1785, written to the consular authorities in the ports of 
that kingdom. Annexed is a translation of it : 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 271 

" Toulon, July I4th, 1785. 
" M. de Legordes, who has arrived from Algiers in the frigate Minerva, 
which he commands, has, on entering this road, given me information that 
that regency had armed eight vessels, xebecs, and barks, with from 18 to 
34 guns each, destined to cruize from Cape St. Vincent to the Azores, to 
capture Americans, against whom they have declared war. I give you 
immediate advice of this circumstance, gentlemen, as well on account of 
the interest your place may have in the cruise of these vessels, as to enable 
you to give notice of it to American captains. The Algerines have another 
division of four vessels, but too small to occasion any disturbance in our 
seas. 

" SOULANGES." 

" This event," said Jones, wi'iting to Mr. Jefferson, on the 
31st July, 1Y85, " may, I believe, surprise some of om- fellow- 
citizens ; but for my part I am rather surprised that it did not 
take place sooner. It will produce a good effect if it miites the 
people of America in measures consistent with their national 
honor and interest, and rouses them fi-om that ill-judged security 
which the intoxication of success has produced since the 
Eevolution." 

On the 3d of October, 1787, the Chevalier Jones wrote farther 
to Mr. Jay : 

''JVetv York, October 3d, 1787. 

" His Excellency John Jay, Esq., Minister 
of Foreign Aftairs, New York. 
" Sir, 

" As Congress have now referred back to you for your report, the chief 
part of the letter I had the honor to address you the 18th of July last, I 
beg leave to observe on the latter part of that letter, respecting the fund 
I wish to see established for the redemption of our fellow-citizens at 
Alg-iei-s, that I had also in view at the time, a national establishment, on 
the plan of the Greenwich Hospital in England, or Hotel des InvaUdes at 
Paris, which would be effected from the residue of the increasing fund I 
have proposed. I beg you, therefore, sir, to take notice of this in your 
report. " I have the honor to be, sir, yours," &c. 



272 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

On perusing the subjoined resolutions and letter to the King 
of France, a just conception will be entertained of the high 
consideration in which the chevalier was held by the United 
States in Congress assembled. They are sufficient to refute all 
the calumnies circulated against him by his enemies : 

"In Congress, October I6th, 1787. 

" Resolved unanimously^ That a medal of gold be struck, and presented 
to the Chevalier John Paul Jones, in commemoration of the valor and 
brilliant services of that officer, in the command of a squadron of American 
and French ships under the flag and commission of the United States, off 
the coast of Great Britain, in the late war; and that the Hon. Mr. 
Jefferson, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the court of 
Versailles, have the same executed, with the proper devices. 

'■'■Resolved, That a letter be written to His Most Christian Majesty, 
informino- him that the United States in Congress assembled have bestowed 
upon the Chevalier John Paul Jones this medal, as well in consideration 
of the distinguished marks of approbation which His Majesty has been 
pleased to confer upon that officer, as from a sense of his merit : and that, 
as it is his earnest desire to acquire greater knowledge in his profession, it 
would be acceptable to Congress, that His Majesty would be pleased to 
permit him to embark with his fleets of evolution, convinced that he can 
no where else so well acquire that knowledge which may hereafter render 
him more extensively useful. 

" Ordered, That the Secretary for Foreign Affairs prepare a letter for 
the above purpose, to be signed by the President ; and that the Chevalier 
Jones be the bearer of the said letter. 



"In Congress, October IQth, 1787 

" The Secretary for Foreign Affairs reports : 

" That, agi-eeably to the order of the 16th, he hath prepared the follow- 
ing letter to His Most Christian Majesty, which, having been duly signed 
and countersigned, was dehvered to the Chevalier John Paul Jones : 

" Great and Beloved Friend, 

" We, the United States in Congress assembled, in consideration of the 
distinguished marks of approbation with which your Majesty has been 
pleased to honor the Chevalier John Paul Jones, as well as from a sense 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 2T3 

of his merit, have unanimously directed a medal of gold to be struck and 
presented to him, in commemoration of his valor and brilliant services, 
while commanding a squadron of French and American ships under our 
flag and commission, off the coast of Great Britain, in the late war. 

" As it is his earnest desire to acquire greater knowledge in his profes- 
sion, we cannot forbear requesting of your Majesty to permit him to 
embark in your fleets of evolution, where only it will be probably in his 
power to acquire that degree of knowledge which may hereafter render 
him more extensively useful. 

" Permit us to repeat to your Majesty our sincere assurances, that the 
various and important benefits for which we are indebted to your friend- 
ship will never cease to interest us in whatever may concern the happiness 
of your Majesty, your family, and people. 

" We pray God to keep you, our great and beloved friend, under his 
holy protection. 

" Done at the city of New Yoi-k, llie sixteenth day of October, in the 
year of our Lord, 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence 
the 12th." 



"In Congress, October 25th, 1687. 

" Resolved, That the minister of the United States, at the Court of 
Versailles, be and he hereby is authorised and instructed, to represent to 
His Danish Majesty, that the United States continue to be very sensibly 
affected by the circumstance of His Majesty having caused a number of 
their prizes to be delivered to Groat Britain during the late war, and the 
more so, as no part of their conduct had foifeited their claim to those 
rights of hospitality which civilized nations extend to each other. That 
not only a sense of the justice due to the individuals interested in those 
prizes, but also an earnest desire that no subject of discontent may check 
the cultivation and progress of that friendsliip which they wish may subsist 
and increase between the two countries, prompt the United States to remind 
His Majesty of the transaction in question ; and they flatter themselves 
that His Majesty will concur with them in thinking that, as restitution of 
the prizes is not practicable, it is reasonable and just that he should render, 
and that they should accept, a compensation equivalent to the value of 
them : 

" That the said minister be authorized and instructed to settle and con- 
clude the demand of the United States against His Danish Majesty, on 
account of the prizes aforesaid, by such composition and on such terms as 
may be the best in his power to obtain ; and that he be directed to retain 
in his hands all the money so recovered till the further order of Congress : 

18 



274 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" That the said ministei- be and he is hereby authorized, in case he shall 
think it proper, to despatch the Chevalier John Paul Jones, or any other 
agent, to the Court of Denmark, with such powers and instructions relative 
to the above-mentioned negotiation as, in his judgment, may be most con- 
ducive to the successful issue thereof; provided^ that the ultimate conclu- 
sion of the business be not made by the agent without the pi-evious appro- 
bation of the said minister : 

" That the person employed shall, for his agency in the business afore- 
said, be allowed 5 per cent, for all expenses and demands whatever, on 
that account. 

" Ordered, That the Board of Treasury transmit to the Minister of the 
United States at the Court of Versailles all the necessary documents rela- 
tive to the prizes dehvered up by Denmark. 

"In Congress, October 26ih, 1787. 
" Ordered, That the Secretary of Congress infoi'm the Chevalier John 
Paul Jones that the business relative to the pi-izes taken during the late 
war, and sent to Denmark, is put under the management of the Hon. 
Thomas Jeft'erson, Minister of the United States at the Court of Versailles, 
and that he furnish Mr. Jones with a co])y of such part of the Resolution 
as respects the appointment of an agent by Mr. Jefferson, relative to the 
said prizes." 

Chevalier Jones, in embarking again for Europe, evidently 
had some dread of falling into the power of the British. From 
what this apprehension proceeded is uncertain ; whether from 
incidents in his life, prior to his entering the American service, 
or from the injury he had inflicted on British subjects during 
the Revolutionary war. It could hardly have been the latter ; 
for honored and protected as he was, by both America and 
France, it is not likely he would have apprehended molestation 
or capture for having particij)ated in the war of the Revolution. 
Whatever the ground of his fears may have been, it is certain 
that he entertained them : for writing to Mr. Jefferson from 
New York, on the 24:th of October, 1787, he said, " I should 
have embarked in the packet that will sail for Havre to-morrow 
morning ; but an account having arrived here that the English 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JOXES. 275 

fleet is out, and was seen steering to tlie westward, and that a 
British squadron is cruising in the ISTorth Sea, has induced me 
with the advice of my friends, to postpone my embarkation till 
the next opportunity, an American ship, about the beginning of 
next month." 

The Chevalier reached Paris, in December, 1787, when he 
sent to Mr. Jefferson the annexed private note. Wliat his 
"' strong reasons " for temporary seclusion were, do not 
appear : — 

[Private) "Hotel de Beauvais, rue des vieux Augustines. 

''Paris, December 12th, 1787. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" I am just anived here from England. I left New York the llth of 
November, and have brought public despatches and a number of private 
letters for you. I would have waited on you immediately, instead of 
writing, but I have several strong reasons for desiring that no person 
should know of my being here till I have seen you, and been favored with 
your advice on the steps I ought to pursue. I have a letter from Congress 
to the King, and perhaps you will think it advisable not to present it at 
this moment. I shall not go out till I hear from, or see you. And, as 
the people in this hotel do not know my name, you will please to ask 
for the gentleman just arrived, who is lodged in No. 1. 

" I am, with great esteem and respect, &c." 

When Jones was in Europe in 1783, he was, by a letter from 
Dr. Franklin, of the 17th of December of that year, authorized 
and directed to solicit justice from the Court of Denmark, in 
relation to the prizes sent into Bergen, and restored to the 
British. As far back as the 22d of December, 1779, Dr. 
Franklin had addressed a memorial to the prime minister of 
Denmark on the same subject. That paper is so characteristic 
of the philosophical turn of mind of om- illustrious countryman, 
that it is offered to the perusal of the reader : — 



276 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Memorial sent to the Prime Minister of Denmark hy B. Franklin, 
Minister of the United States of America at Paris, respecting the 
prizes given up by Denmark to the English. 

'■''Passy, near Paris, December 22d, 1779. 
" Sir, 

" I have received lettere from M. de Chezaulx, Consul of France at 
Bergen in Noi-w'ay, acquainting me that two ships, viz. the Betsey and the 
Union, prizes taken from the Enghsh on their coasts by Capt. Landais, 
commander of the AUiance frigate, appertaining to the United States of 
North America ; which prizes having met with bad weather at sea, that 
had damaged their rigging, and occasioned leaks, and being weakly 
manned, had taken shelter in the supposed neutral port of Bergen, in 
order to repair their damages, procure an additional number of sailors, 
and the necessary refreshments ; that they were in the said port, enjoying 
as they conceived the common rights of hospitality established and 
practised by civilized nations, under the care of the above said consul, 
when on the 28th of October last, the said ships with their cargoes and 
papers, were suddenly seized by the officers of Ilis Majesty, the King of 
Denmark, to whom the said port belongs, the American officers and 
seamen turned out of their possession, and the whole dehvered to the 
English consul. 

" M. de Chezaulx has also sent me the following as a translation 
of His Majesty's order, by which the above proceedings are said to be 
authorized, viz. : 

" ' The English minister having insisted on the restitution of the two 
vessels captured by the American frigate the Alliance, Captain Landais, 
and which have been brought into Berghen, viz., the Betsey of Liverpool, 
and the Union of London, his Majesty has granted the demand on the 
ground that he has not yet recognised the independence of the colonies 
associated against England, and because the vessels could not be considered 
as good and lawful prizes, the two said vessels are therefore declared free, 
and have liberty to depart immediately with their cargoes.' 

" By a subsequent letter from the same consul I am informed that a third 
prize belonging to the said United States, viz., the Charming Polly, which 
arrived at Bergen after the others, had also been seized and delivered up 
in the same manner, and that all the people of the three vessels being 
thus stript of their property, (for every one of them had an interest in the 
prizes,) were turned on shore to shift for themselves, without money, in 
a strange place, no provision being made for their subsistence, or for 
sending them back to theii- country. Pei'mit me, Sir, to observe on this 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 2Y7 

occasion, that the United States of America have no war but with the 
EngHsh. They have never done any injury to other nations, particularly 
none to the Danish nation ; on the contrary, they are in some degree its 
benefactors, as they have opened a trade of which the English made a 
monopoly, and of which the Danes may now have their share, and by 
dividing the British empire have made it less dangerous to its neighbors. 
They conceived that every nation whom they had not offended, wa.s by 
the rights of humanity their friend ; they confided in the hospitality of 
Denmark, and thought themselves and their property safe when under the 
roof of his Danish IMajesty. But they find themselves stript of that 
property, and the same given up to their enemies, on the principle only 
that no acknowledgement had yet been formally made by Denmark of the 
independence of the United States, which is to say, that there is no obh- 
gation of justice towards any nation, with whom a treaty promising the 
same has not been previously made. This was indeed the doctrine of 
ancient barbarians ; a doctrine long since exploded, and which it would 
not be for the honor of the present age to revive ; and it is hoped that 
Denmark will not by supporting and persisting in this decision obtained 
of his Majesty apparently by surprise be the first modern nation that shall 
attempt to revive it.* 

" The United States oppressed by, and in war with one of the most 
powerful nations of Europe, may well be supposed incapable in their 
present infant state, of exacting justice from other nations not disposed to 
grant it ; but it is in human nature that injuries as well as benefits 
received in times of weakness and distress, national as well as personal, 
make deep and lasting impressions ; and those ministers are wise who 
look into futurity, and quench the first sparks of misunderstanding 
between two nations, which, neglected, may in time gi-ow into a flame, 
all the consequences whereof no human prudence can foresee, which 
may produce much mischief to both, and cannot possibly produce any 
good to either. 

" I beg leave through your Excellency to submit these considerations to 
the wisdom and justice of His Danish Majesty, whom I infinitely respect. 



* " Les Anciens," (says Vattel in his excellent treatise entitled " le droit des gens,") 
" ne se croyoient tenus a rien envers les peuples qui ne leur etoient unis par une 
traite d'amitie, enfin la voix de la nature se fit entendre aux peuples civilises ; ils 
reconnurent que tous les hommes Etoient freres." An injustice of the same kind 
done a century or two since by some English in the East Indies, Grotius tells us, " ne 
rnanquoit pas de partisans, qui soutenoient que par les anciennes loix d'Angleterre, 
on ne punissoit point en ce Royaume les outrages centre les Strangers quand il n'y 
avoit point d' Alliance contractee avec eux." But this principle he condemns in the 
strongest terms. Hist, des troubles des Pays-bas, livre XVI. 



278 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

and who, I hope, will consider and repeal the order above recited, and 
that if the prizes which I hereby reclaim in behalf of the United States 
of America, are not actually gone to England, they may be stopt and 
redelivered to M. de Chezaulx, the said consul of France at Bergen, in 
whose care they before were, with liberty to depart for Amei'ica when the 
season shall permit. But if they shall be already gone to England, 
I must then reclaim from His Majesty's equity the value of the said three 
prizes, which is estimated at 50,000Z. sterling, but which may be regulated 
by the best information that can by any means be obtained. 
" I am with the greatest respect, &c. 

" B. Franklin, Minister Plen." 

The Chevalier now received a regular appointment from Mr. 
Jefferson ; who, it is believed, drew up a memorial which Jones 
carried with him. Among the papers furnished to the author 
by Mr. Jefferson is a memorandum, in the handwriting of Mr. 
Jefferson, of references to particular passages of the works of 
Grotius and other eminent writers on the law of nations, 
intended for the Chevalier's use, when he should arrive at 
Copenhagen. This commission ran thus : — 



" To John Paul Jones, Esq., Commodore in the service of the United 
States of America. 

" The United States of America in Congi-ess assembled, having thought 
proper by their resolve of the 25th of October, 1Y87, to authorize and 
instruct me finally to settle and conclude all demands of the United States, 
against His Majesty the King of Denmark, on account of the prizes 
delivered to Great Britain during the late war ; — and to despatch your- 
self, or any other agent, to the court of Denmark, with such powers and 
instructions relative thereto, as I might think proper, provided the 
ultimate conclusion of the business be not made by the said agent, without 
my previous approbation, I hereby authorize you to proceed to the court 
of Denmark, for the purpose of making the necessary representations on 
the subject, and for conferring thereon with such persons as shall be 
appointed on that behalf by the said court, and for agreeing provisionally 
on the arrangement to be taken, transmitting the same to me at Paris for 
final approbation. 

" Given under my hand and seal at Paris, this 24th day of January, in 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 2Y9 

the year of our Lord 1*788, and of the independence of the United States 
of America, the twelfth. 

" Th. Jefferson." 



The clievalier proceeded on his mission. His health, it 
seems, had snfFered on the way to his destination, probably 
from the severity of the weather. From the capital of Denmark, 
where he was treated with the most distinguished marks of 
regard, he wrote to Mr. Jefferson as follows : 

" Copenhagen, March 11th, 1Y88. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" I have been so much indisposed since my arrival here, the 4th, from 
the fatigue and excessive cold I suffered on the road, that I have been 
obliged to confine myself almost constantly to my chamber. I have kept 
my bed for se\eral days ; but I now feel myself better, and hope the 
danger is over. On my arrival I paid my respects to the minister of 
France ; he received me with great kindness. We went five days ago to 
the minister of foreign affairs, I wa.s much flattered with my reception, and 
our conversation was long and very particular respecting America and the 
new constitution, of which I presented a copy ; he observed, that it had 
struck him as a very dangerous power to make the President commander- 
in-chief; in other respects it appeared to please him much, as leading to 
a n,ear and sure treaty of commerce between America and Denmark ; it 
■was a day of public business, and I could not do more than present your 
letter. I shall follow tlio business closely. In a few days, when I am 
re-estabhshed in health, I am to be presented to the whole court, and to 
sup with the king. I shall after that be presented to all the corps diplo- 
matic, and other persons of distinction here : I am infinitely indebted to 
the attentions I received from the minister of France. I made the inquiry 
you desired in Holland, and should then have written to you in conse- 
quence, had I not been assured by authority (M. Van Staphorst) that I 
could not doubt, that letters had been sent you on the subject, that could 
not fail of giving you satisfaction. Mr. Van Staphorst was very obliging. 

" At Hamburg I ordered the smoked beef you desired to be sent to you, 
to the care of the American agent at Havre de Grace : you have nothing 
to do but receive it, paying what little charges may be on it. 

" My ill health and fatigue on the road hindered me from preparing 



280 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

the extract of the engagement. When you see Mr. Little Page, I pray 
you to present my kind compliments. It is said here, that the Empress 
confides the command of her fleet, that -will pass the sound, to Admiral 
Greg ; and that he means to call at an English port to take provisions, &c. 
The Hamburg papers, I am told, have announced the death of Dr. 
Franklin ; I shall be extremely concerned if the account proves true — God 
forbid ! The departure of the post obliges me to conclude. I am, with a 
deep sense of your kind attachment, 

" Sir, youre," &c. 

On the ISth of tlie same month he agam wrote to the 
American minister at Paris : 



" Copenhagen, March 18th, 1788. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" Yesterday his excellency the Baron de la Houze, minister plenipoten- 
tiary of France at this court, did me the honor to present me publicly to 
his majesty, the royal family, and chief personages at the royal palace 
here. I had a very poHte and distinguished reception. The queen 
dowager conversed with me for some time, and said the most civil things. 
Her majesty has a dignity of person and deportment which becomes her 
well, and which she has the secret to reconcile with great affabihty and 
ease. The princess royal is a charming person, and the graces are so 
much her own, that it is impossible to see and converse with her without 
paying to her that homage which artless beauty and good nature will ever 
command. All the royal family spoke to me except the king, who speaks 
to no person when presented. His majesty saluted me with great 
complaisance at fii-st, and as often afterward as we met in the course of 
the evening. The prince royal is greatly beloved, and extremely affable : 
he asked me a number of pertinent questions respecting America. I had 
the honor to be invited to sup with his majesty and the royal family. The 
company at table consisting of seventy ladies and gentlemen, including 
the royal family, the ministers of state, foreign ambassadors, &c. was very 
brilliant. The death of Dr. Franklin seems to be generally beheved. 
Every person I have spoken with at court, laments the event as a misfor- 
tune to human nature. I have had a second conference with the minister 
of foreign affaii-s, but nothing is yet done ; I will press him to conclude. 
I am so continually feasted, and have so many visits to pay and receive, 
that I have scarcely a moment to call my own ; and the departure of the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 281 

post does not now aftbrd me the time necessary to compare the whole of 
my hist. I have received no letter whatever since I came here. 

" I am, with great esteem and respect, Sir, youi-s," &c. 



" Copenhagen, March 20th, 1788. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 
" I embrace the occasion of a young gentleman just arrived here express 
from St. Petersburg, and who sets out inmiediately express for Paris, to 
transmit you the foregoing copy of my last of the 18th. I have written 
to Norway, and expect a satisfactory answer. The minister of France is 
surprised to have had no object fi'om Versailles respecting me. I pray 
you, and so does he, to push that point immediately. The minister of 
foreign affairs will receive me on Saturday. Please to present my kind 
compliments to Mr. Little Page. If there is anything new from that 
quarter you will no doubt communicate it. 

" I am, sincerely, yours," &c. 

" Copenhagen, March 25 th, 1*788. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 
" T propose to send the present, under cover, to Messieurs Nicholas and 
Jacob Van Staphorst of Amsterdam ; presuming you may be there by the 
time they will receive it. If you are not arrived, or fully expected to 
arrive there in a day or two, they will be requested to forward you my 
letter. ]\Iy mission here is not yet at an end, but the minister has 
promised to determine soon, and I have wrote to claim that promise. 
Before you can receive this, ]\fonsieur de Semohn will have informed you 
that your proposal to him, and his application on that idea, have been well 
received. The matter is communicated to me here, in the most flattering 
expressions, by a letter I have received from his excellency the Baron de 
Krudener. There seems, however, to remain some difficulty respecting 
the letter of Monsieur de Semolin's proposal, though it is accepted, in 
substance, with an appearance of great satisfaction. I find myself under 
the necessity of setting out for St. Petersburg through Sweden, in a few 
days, instead of returning first, as was my wish and intention, to Paris. I 
hope in tlie mean time to receive a satisfactory answer, which I shall duly 
communicate to you. Your future letters for me you will please to send 
under cover, to the minister of France at Petersburg, or rather deUver 
them to Monsieur de Semolin, to whom I tender my sincere and respectful 



282 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

thanks for his good oflBces, which I shall ever remember with pleasure and 
gratitude, and which I shall always be ambitious to merit. I esteem 
myself also much indebted to Mr. Little Page, and hope I may one day 
convince him how sensible I am of his friendly behavior. I say nothing 
at present of your attachment, but my feelings do you justice. 

" I am, with unbounded esteem and sincere regard," &c. 

Jones did not remain long at Copenhagen, bnt whilst there 
he pressed the business entrusted to him with his usual ai-dor. 
The Danish Court, either from a fear of offending Great 
Britain, or a desire to procrastinate, pleaded a want of full 
powers in the chevalier to treat, and transferred the negotiation 
to Paris, as will be seen in the subjoined correspondence with 
Count Bernstorif. Jones was impatient to go to Russia, whose 
sovereign, the celebrated Catharine II., had invited him 
thither by the most flattering promises of patronage. It w^as 
Mr. Jefferson who originally projected for the chevalier this 
adventure, which so admirably accorded with his chivalric 
disposition. 

" Copenhagen, March 24th, 1788. 

" His Excellency M. le Comte de Bernstorff, Knight ] 
of the order of the Elephant, Secretary of State V 
for Foreign Affairs, &c., Copenhagen. ) 

" Sir, 
" From the act of Congress (the act by which I am honored with a 
gold medal) I had the honor to show your excellency the 21st of this 
month, as well as from the conversation that followed, you must be 
convinced that circumstances do not permit me to remain here ; but that 
I am under a necessity either to return to France, or proceed to Russia. 
As the minister of the United States, at Paris, gave me the perusal of the 
packet he wrote by me, and which I had the honor to present to you on 
my arrival here, it is needless to go into any detail on the object of my 
mission to this court, which Mr. Jefferson has particularly explained. The 
promise you have given me of a prompt and explicit decision from this 
court, on the act of Congress of the 25th of October last, inspires me with 
full confidence. I have been very particular in communicating to the 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 283 

United States all the polite attentions with which I have been honored a1 
this court ; and they will learn with great pleasure the kind reception I 
had from you. I felicitate myself on being the instrument to settle the 
delicate national business in question, with a minister who conciliates the 
views of the wise statesman, with the noble sentiments and cultivated 
mind of the true philosopher and man of letters. 

" I have the honor to be, with great respect, yours, &c. 

" Copenhagen^ March 30 ih, 1*788. 
" His Excellency M. le Comte de Bernstorff. 
" Sir, 
" Your silence on the subject of my mission from the United States to 
this coui't leaves me in the most painful suspense ; the more so as I have 
made your excellency acquainted with the promise I am under, to proceed 
as soon as possible to St. Petersburgh. This being the ninth year since 
the three prizes reclaimed by the United States were seized upon in the 
port of Bergen, in Norway, it is to be presumed, that this court has long 
since taken an ultimate resolution respecting the compensation demanded 
by Congress. Though I am extremely sensible of the favorable reception 
with which I have been distinguished at this court, and am particularly 
flattered by the pohte attentions with which you have honored me at every 
conference, yet I have remarked, with great concern, that you have never 
led the conversation to the object of my mission here. A man of your 
liberal sentiments will not, therefore, be surprised or offended at my ])lain 
dealing, when I repeat that I impatiently expect a prompt and categorical 
answer, in writing, from this court, to the act of Congress of the 25th of 
October last. Both my duty and the circumstances of my situation, con- 
strain me to make this demand, in the name of my sovereign the United 
States of America; but I beseech you to believe, that though I am 
extremely tenacious of the honor of the American flag, yet my pereonal 
interest in the decision I now ask, would never have induced me to present 
myself to this court. You are too just, sir, to delay my business here ; 
which would put me under the necessity to break the promise I have 
made to Her Imperial Majesty, conformable to your advice. 

" I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c." 

" Copenhagen, April Ath, 1788. 
" The Chevalier Paul Jones, Commander in Chief ) 
of the Squadron of the United States of America. ) 

"Sir, 
" You have requested of me an answer to the letter you did me the 



284 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

honor to remit to me from Mr. Jefferson, minister plenipotentiary of the 
United States of America, near His Most Christian Majesty. I do it with 
so much more pleasure, as you have inspired me with as much interest as 
confidence, and this occasion appears to me favorable to make known the 
sentiments of the king my master, on the objects to which we atti^ch so 
much importance. Nothing can be further from the plans and the wishes 
of His Majesty, than to let fall a negotiation which has only been sus- 
pended in consequence of circumstances arising from the necessity of 
maturing a new situation, so as to enlighten himself on their reciprocal 
interests, and to avoid the inconvenience of a precipitate and impeifect 
arrangement. I am authorized, sir, to give you, and through you to Mr. 
Jefferson, the word of the king, that His Majesty will renew the negotia- 
tion for a treaty of amity and commerce in the forms already agreed upon, 
at the instant the new constitution (this admirable plan, so worthy of the 
most enlightened men,) will have been adopted by the States, to which 
nothing more was wanted to assure to itself a perfect consideration. If it 
has not been possible, sh-, to discuss definitively with you, neither the 
principal object nor its accessaries, the idea of eluding the question, or of 
retarding the decision, had not the least part in it. I have already had 
the honor to express to you, in our convei-sations, that your want of pleni- 
potentiaiy powei-s from Congress, was a natural and invincible obstacle. It 
would be, likewise, contrary to the established custom to change the seat 
of negotiation, which has not been broken off, but only suspended, thereby 
to transfer it from Paris to Copenhagen. 

" I have only one more favor to ask of you, sir, that you Avould be the 
interpreter of our sentiments in regard to the United States. It would be 
asoiu'ce of gratification to me to think that what I have said to you on 
this subject, carries with it that conviction of the truth which it merits. 
We desire to form with them connexions solid, useful, and essential ; we 
wish to establish them on bases natural and immovable. The momentary 
clouds — the incertitudes which the misfortunes of the times brought with 
them, exist no longer. We should no longer recollect it, but to feel in a 
more lively manner the happiness of a more fortunate period ; and show 
ourselves more eager to prove the dispositions most proper to effect a 
union, and to procure reciprocally the advantages which a sincere alliance 
can afford, and of which the two countries are susceptible. These are the 
sentiments which I can promise you, sir, on our part, and we flatter our- 
selves to find them likewise in America; nothing then can retard the 
conclusion of an arrangement, which I am happy to see so far advanced. 

" Permit me to repeat to you, sir, again, the assurances of the perfect 
and distinguished consideration with which, 

" I have the honor to be, &c." 

" Bernstorff." 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 285 

" Copenhagen, April 5, 1788. 
" His Excellency M. le Comte de Bernstorff, &c. 
" Sir, 

" I pray your excellency to inform me when I can have the honor to 
wait on you, to receive the letter you have been kind enough to promise 
to write me in answer to the act of Congress of the 25th of October last. 
As you have told me that my want of plenipotentiary powers to terminate, 
ultimately, the business now on the carpet between this court and the 
United States has determined you to authorize the Baron de Blome to 
negotiate and settle the same with Mr. Jefferson at Paris, and to conclude 
at the same time an advantageous treaty of commerce between Denmark 
and the United States ; my business here will of course be at an end when 
I shall have received your letter, and paid you my thanks in person for the 
very pohte attentions with which you have honored me. 

" I am, with great respect, &c." 

" Copenhagen, April 8th, 1788. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 
" By my letters to the Count de Bernstorff, and his excellency's answer, 
you see that my business here is at an end. If I have not finally concluded 
the object of my mission, it is neither your fault nor mine : the powers I 
received are found insufficient, and you could not act otherwise than was 
prescribed in your instructions. Thus it frequently happens, that good 
opportunities are lost when the supreme power does not place a sufficient 
confidence in the distant operations of public officers, whether civil or mili- 
tary. I have, however, the melancholy satisfaction to reflect that I have 
been received and treated here with a distinction far above the pretensions 
of my pubhc mission ; and I feHcitate myself sincerely on being, at my 
owni expense, (and even at the peril of my life, for my sufferings, from the 
inclemency of the weather, and my want of proper means to guai-d ao-ainst 
it on the journey, were inexpressible ; and I believe, from what I yet feel, 
will continue to affect my constitution,) the instrument to renew the 
negotiation between this country and the United States : the more so, as 
the honor is now reserved for you to display your great abilities and 
integrity by the completion and improvement of what Dr. Franklin had 
wisely begun. I have done, then, what perhaps no other person would 
have undertaken under the same circumstances ; and while I have the 
consolation to hope that the United States will derive solid advantages 
from my journey and efforts here, I rest perfectly satisfied that the 



286 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

interests of the brave men I commanded will experience in you parental 
attention, and that the American flag can lose none of its lustre, but the 
contrary, while its honor is confided to you. America being a young 
nation, with an increasing commerce, which will naturally produce a navy, 
I please myself with the hope, that in the treaty you are about to con- 
clude with Denmark, you will find it easy and highly advantageous to 
include certain articles for admitting America into the armed neutrality. 
I persuade myself beforehand, that this would aftbrd pleasure to the 
Empress of Russia, who is at the head of that noble and humane combina- 
tion ; and as I shall now set out immediately for St. Petersburg, I will 
mention the idea to her Iinperial Majesty, and let you know her answer. 

" If Congress should think I deserve the promotion that was proposed, 
when I was last in America, and should condescend to confer on me the 
grade of rear-admiral, from the day I took the Serapis, (23d of September, 
1779,) I am persuaded it would be very agreeable to the Empress, who 
now deigns to offer me an equal rank in her service, although I never yet 
had the honor to draw my sword in her cause, nor to do any other act 
that could directly merit her imperial benevolence. While I express, in 
the warm effusion of a grateful heart, the deep sense I feel of my eternal 
obhgation to you, as the author of the honorable prospect that is now 
before me, I must rely on your friendship to justify to the United States 
the imjtortant step I now take, conformable to your advice. You know I 
had no idea of this new fortune when I found that you had put it in 
train, before my last return to Paris from America. I have not foi-saken 
a country that has had many disinterested and difficult proofs of my 
steady affection ; and I can never renounce the glorious title of a citizen 
of the United States ! 

"It is true, I have not the express permission of the sovereignty to 
accept the offer of Her Imperial Majesty ; yet America is independent, is 
in perfect peace, has no public employment for my military talents ; but 
why should I excuse a conduct which I should rather hope would meet 
with general approbation? In the latter part of the year 1782, Congress 
passed an act for my embarkation in the fleet of His Most Christian 
Majesty ; and when, a few months ago, I left America to return to Europe, 
I was made the bearer of a letter to His Most Christian Majesty, requesting 
me to be permitted to embark in the fleets of evolution. Why did Con- 
gress pass those acts ? To facilitate my imjirovement in the art of con- 
ducting fleets and mihtary operations. I am, then, conforming myself to 
the views of Congress ; but the roll allotted me is infinitely more high and 
difficult than Congress intended. Instead of receiving lessons from able 
masters, in the theory of war, I am called to immediate practice ; where I 
must command in chief, conduct the most difficult operations, be my own 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 287 

preceptor, and instruct others. Congress will allow me some merit in 
daring to encounter such multiplied difficulties. The mark I mentioned 
of the approbation of that honorable body, would be extremely flattering 
to me in the career I am now to pursue, and would stimulate all my 
ambition to acquire the necessary talents to merit that, and even greater 
favors, at a future day. I pray you, sir, to explain the circumstances of 
my situation, and be the interpreter of my sentiments to the United States 
in Congress. I ask for nothing ; and beg leave to be understood only as 
having hinted, what is natural to conceive, that the mark of approbation I 
mentioned could not fail to be infinitely serviceable to my views and suc- 
cess in the country where I am going. 

" The Prince Royal sent me a messenger, requesting me to come to his 
apartment. His Royal Highness said a great many civil things to me, 
told me the King thanked me for my attention and civil behaviour to the 
Danish flag, while I commanded in the European seas ; and that His 
Majesty wished for occasions to testify to me his personal esteem, &c. I 
was alone with the Prince half an hour. 

" I am, with perfect esteem, &c.'' 

In 1Y88 the Russians were at war with the Turks, and want- 
ing naval talent, sought and procured it wherever it was to be 
found. Among others, it is not surj^rising that Jones should 
have attracted the notice of so enlightened a ruler as Catharine. 
He went to St. Petersburg, and no longer opposing the wishes 
of the Empress, attached himself to her service, under this single 
condition, " that he should never be condemned unheard." So 
expeditious was he in his movements, that we find him, in the 
month of June, 1788, writing a letter from on board a Russian 
man-of-war, on the Liman sea, to the Marquis de la Fayette. 
It contains an account of his passage through Sweden to St. 
Petersburg, and of his reception by the Empress : — 

"On board the Imperial sit'q') Wolodhner, at anchor in the 
Liman, before Oczacoff, June 15-26, 1*788. 

" Monsieur le Marquis de la Fayette, Major General et Chevalier ] 
des plusieurs Ordres, a son Hotel, a Paris. j 

" My dear General and dear Friend, 

" The kind letter you did me the honor to write me, the 20tli of April, 



288 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

was delivered to me at St. Elizabeth, on my way here from St. Petersburg. 
It was very flattering to me to receive such a letter from a man whom I 
so much love and i-espect as I do, and have long done the Marquis de la 
Fayette. You will yourself do justice to my sensibility for all your good 
offices and good intentions, so I need only say, I shall always be ambitious 
to merit the flattering compliment with which you honor me by subscrib- 
ing yourself my ' sincere friend.' 

" I must tell you that Mr. Elliot (the same who filched Dr. Lee's papers 
at Berlin,) was furious when he found my business at Copenhagen ; and 
that I was received with great distinction at court, and in all the best socie- 
ties in Denmark. Every time I was invited to sup with the King, Elliot 
made an apology ; he shut himself up for more than a month, and then 
left town. This occasioned much laughter; and as he had shunned 
society from the time of my arrival, people said he had gone oft' in a fright; 
I hope Mr, Jefferson is satisfied with the train in which I left the Danish 
business. It would have been impossible for me to have pushed it any 
farther as I had not full powers to conclude it finally. 

" I went through Sweden to St. Petersburg. The advanced season did 
not permit my return to Paris, the distance would have been too long 
through Germany, and ElHot had influenced the English to put difficulties 
in the way of my passage to the Baltic. I found the (iulf de Botenea 
barred with ice, and after making several fruitless attempts to cross it in a 
small open boat (about 30 feet long), I compelled the Swedish peasants 
to steer as I directed them, for the Gulf of Finland ; after about four or 
five hundred miles of navigation, I landed at Reval, and having paid the 
peasants to tlieir satisfaction, I gave them a good pilot, with some provi- 
sion, to reconduct them to their home. My voyage was looked upon as 
a kind of miracle, being what never had been attempted before, unless in 
large vessels. 

" The Empress received me with a distinction the most flattering that 
perhaps any stranger can boast of. On entering into the Russian service, 
her Majesty conferred on me immediately the grade of Rear-Admiral. I 
was detained against my will a fortnight, and continually feasted at court 
and in the first society. This was a cruel grief to the English, and I own 
that their vexation, which, I believe, was general, in and about St. Peters- 
burg, gave me no pain. 

" I presented the Empress with a copy of the new American constitu- 
tion. Her Majesty spoke to me often about the United States, and is 
persuaded that the American revolution cannot fail to hring about others, 
and to influence every other government. I mentioned the armed neutrality 
so honorably patronised by Her Majesty ; and I am persuaded that no 
difficulty will be made about admitting the United States into that 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 289 

illustrious association, so soon as America shall have built some ships-of- 
war. I spoke of it to the Danish minister of foreign affairs, who seemed 
pleased with the idea. 

" The United States have some commerce with Russia, which pei'haps 
we may be able to increase. I should think whale oil, dried fish, 
spermaceti, and rice, may be articles to suit the Russia market ; if the 
Mediterranean was not shut to the American flag-, many articles might be 
supphed to the Russian fleet, now destined for the Archipelago. I 
certainly wish to be useful to a country I have so long served. I love the 
people and their cause, and shall always rejoice when I can be useful to 
promote their happiness. 

" I am glad that the new constitution will be, as you tell me, adopted by 
more than nine states. I hope, however, they will alter some parts of it ; 
and particularly that they will divest the President of all military rank 
and command ; for though General Washington might be safely trusted 
with such tempting power as the chief command of the fleet and army, 
yet, depend on it, in some other hands it could not fail to overset the 
liberties of America. The President should be only the first civil Magis- 
trate, let him command the military with the pen ; but deprive him of 
the power to draw his sword and lead them, under some plausible 
pretext, or under any circumstances whatever, to cut the throats of a part 
of his fellow-citizens, and to make him the tyrant of the rest. These are 
not my apprehensions alone, for I have mentioned them to many men 
of sense and learning since I saw you, and I have found them all of the 
same sentiment. 

" What are you> about, my dear General ? Are you so absorbed in 
politics as to be insensible to glory ? That is impossible, quit then your 
divine Calypso, come here, and pay your court once more to Bellona, who, 
you are sure, will receive you as her favorite. You would be charmed 
with the Prince de Potemkin. He is a most amiable man, and none can 
be more noble-minded. 

" For the Empi-ess, feme has never yet done her justice. I am sure no 
stranger who has not known that illustrious character, ever conceived how 
much Her Majesty is made to reign over a great empire, to make the 
people happy, and to attach grateful and susceptible minds. 

" Is not the present a happy moment for France to declare for Russia ? 
Would it not be a means to retrieve her dignity, and to re-establish the 
affairs of Holland? What would England find to oppose to such an 
alliance ? Denmark is with Russia, and Sweden ought surely to be with 
France. An alliance with Russia might be very advantageous, and can 
never be dangerous to France. In these circumstances the Isles of Candia 
and Cyprus appear among the objects which ought to attract her attention. 

19 



290 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Perhaps tliey might be obtained and the aflPairs of Holland re-established 
without the expense of a war, for it is a question if England and Russia 
would venture to make opposition. One sure advantage would result to 
France, I mean the breaking of her destructive treaty of commerce with 
England. Since the time of the assembly of notables, I have always 
thought that the ministry ought to have seen the expediency of a war 
with England ; to break the treaty of commerce, and to prevent the ruin 
of French manufactories ; to obtain loans from Holland, and to render 
that repubhc for ever dependent on French protection ; and, above all, to 
unite the nation, and prevent the broils that have since ensued, by exciting 
a brave patriotic people to support their national dignity. 

" My motives are pure, and I am influenced only by the affection I feel 
for the two countries you love. Your known patriotism assures me that 
if you can make my ideas useful, you will not fail to do it. 

" My kind respects await ^Madame la Marquise, and I hope her interest- 
ing family is well. It would aftbrd me great happiness to see or hear from 
you, and if you cannot favor us with a visit, I beg the favor of any news 
that may be interesting. 

" I am, my dear General, yours, &c. 

" P. S. — Mr. Little Page has arrived at the army of the Prince de 
Potemkin, and I expect to see him here in a few days. The Captain 
Pasha has been beaten last week. This is a good beginning, and I hope 
we shall soon have greater success. The Count de Dumas was in the 
affair. To speak in our republican way he is a gallant fellow. I 
marked him well. He has my esteem, and his fair mistress owes 
him twenty sweet kisses for his first effort. He keeps his picture always 
at his heart." 



29 jSvffust 

" On hoard the Wolodimer, before Oczacoff, -^^^ ^ ' 1788. 
"His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" Some of my friends in America did me the honor to ask for my bust ; 
I enclose the names of eight gentlemen, to each of whom I promised to 
send one. You will obhge me much by desiring Mr. Houdan to have 
them prepared, and packed up two and two : and if Mr. Short, to whom 
I present my respects, will take the trouble to forward them by good 
opportunities, via Havre de Grace, writing at the same time a few words 
to each of the gentlemen, I shall esteem it a particular favor. 

"Before I left Copenhagen I wrote to Mr. Amoureux, merchant at 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 291 

L'Orient, to dispose of some articles of mine in his hands, and remit you 
the amount. I hope he has done it, and that his remittance may be 
sufficient to pay Mr. Houdan, and the expense of striking the medal with 
which I am honored by the United States. But lest this should not turn 
out as I expect, I have directed Dr. Bancroft to pay any draft of yours on 
him for my account, as far as four or five thousand livres. I shall want 
four gold medals as soon as the dies are finished. I must present one to 
the United States, another to the King of France, and I cannot do less 
than oflfer one to the empress. As you will keep the dies for me, it is my 
intention to have some more gold medals struck ; therefore I beg you, in 
the mean time, not to permit the striking of a single silver or copper 
medal. 

" I pray you to present me in the most respectful terms to Monsieur de 
Simolin. However my situation in Russia may terminate, I shall ever 
esteem myself under great obligation to him. I pray you to present my 
atfectionate respects to the Count d'Estaing, and tell him I am infinitely 
flattered by the obliging things he has had the goodness to say of me in 
my absence. I admire him for his magnanimity, and it vexes me every 
time I reflect how little his bravery and patriotism have l>een rewarded by 
government. He is the only officer who served through the last war 
without promotion or honoi-s. It is his honor to be beloved by his nation 
and to have deserved it. 

" I send enclosed an extract of my journal on my expedition from 
France to Holland in the year 1779, for the information of the Academy 
of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres. I trust at the same time more to your 
judgment than to theirs. There is a medallist who executed three medals 
for me in wax. One of them is the battle between the Bon homme 
Richard and the Serapis. The position of the two ships is not much 
amiss ; but the accessory figures are much too near the principal objects ; 
and he has placed them to windward, instead of being, as they really 
were, to leeward of the Bon homme Richard and Serapis. I do not at 
this moment recollect the medaUist's name ; but he lives on the 3d or 4th 
stage at a marble-cutter's, almost opposite, but a little higher than your 
former house, Cul-de-sac Rue Taitebout, and may be easily found. It 
would be of use to see the medal he has made, although it is by no means 
to be copied. I owe him a small sum, perhaps 200 li\Tes. I wish to 
know how much, that I may take an arrangement for paying. I have not 
comprehended in the .extract of my journal the extreme difficulties I met 
with in Holland, nor my departure from the Texel in the Alliance, when I 
was forced out by the Vice-Admiral Rhynst in the face of the enemy's 
fleet. The critical situation I was in in Holland needs no explanation, 
and I shall not say how much the honor of the American flag depended 



292 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

on my conduct, or how much it affected all the belligerent powers. I 
shall only say it was a principal cause of the resentment of England against 
Holland, and of the war that ensued. It is for you and the academy to 
determine, whether that part of my service ought to be the subject of one 
side of the medal ?" 



''Before Oczacoff, Sept. 15-26, 1788. 

" Mr. Littlepage has postponed his departure. I expected him to 
remain with me till the end of the campaign, but he now sets out so 
suddenly that I cannot send by him the extract of my journal in 17*79. I 
will send it in a week or two to my friend the Count de Segur at St. 
Petersburg, and he will forward it to you with his ministerial despatches. 
Your lettere with which you honor me may also be forwarded to him. I 
persuade myself that Count de Montmorin will do it with pleasure. I 
trouble you with two enclosed letters, and am with perfect esteem, &c." 

" List of gentlemen to whom busts are to be sent : 

" General St. Clair, and Mr. Ross, of Philadelphia. — Mr. John Jay, 
General L-vine, Mr. Secretary Thompson, and Colonel Wadsworth, of New 
York. — Mr. J. Madison, and Colonel Carrington, of Virginia.'' 

" Admiral Paul Jones presents his respectful compHments to Mr. Short, 
and begs the favor of him to forward the eight busts mentioned in the 
above list by the most direct opportunities, from Havre de Grace to 
America. Mr. Jefferson is wrote to on this subject ; and Mr. Houdan, 
who prepares the busts, will also have them carefully packed up in four 
boxes. The admiral prays Mr. Short to be so obliging as to write a line 
or two to each of the gentlemen for whom the busts are destined." 



Jones was now again in active employment, on the element 
most favorable to the display of his talents. Tliat much reliance 
was placed on his skill and energy may be inferred from the 
annexed note of the Prince of Nassau : 

''MayZOth, 1788. 
" To the Vice- Admiral. 

" I send you, my dear general, the two answers of M. de Suvorow, 
which he has transmitted, unsealed. I beg you to inform me what are 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 293 

your intentions, as I have decided, since I have the hberty, to march only 
when you can protect me. 

" Prince Nassau-Siegen." 



From his flag ship, the Wolodimer, the Yice Admiral wrote 
to that Prince. His letter shows that s.ome diflerence of opinion 
existed between them : 

" On board the frigate Wolodimer^ June ls<, 1*788, op^Msite ) 
the first village to the west of the River Bog. j 

" The Vice Admiral to the Prince Nassau-Sieren. 

" My Prince, 

" No person can desire more than myself to make a happy, and, at the 
same time, glorious campaign, tor the arms of her imperial majestj''. K 
you can show me a more advantageous position than the one I already 
have, I will change my plan with pleasure to adopt youre. If you are of 
opinion that my duty requires me to attack the Turkish fleet, imder 
existing circumstances, I ask you if I ought not to Avait until I can conquer 
it. Where is the man who will justify me, if following my own will, and 
without any necessity, knowing nothing certain of the position of the army 
of his highness the Marshal Prince Potemkin, I should expose the squadron 
under my command to be burnt or taken. Do you believe the enemy 
will dare make a descent on this side of Embourn, and thus place himself 
between two fires ? The experience of the last year proves that nothing is 
risked on the other side, and that the ganison is strong enough, and the 
generals able enough, to repel an attack of ten thousand men. But if the 
squadron which I have the honor to command should be destroyed, it is 
not necessary for me to inform you that the £og, the Cherson, &c. &c. 
would be open to the ravages of the enemy. I would desire from my 
heart that your highness would place one or two batteries under the walls 
of Kimbourn, to reinforce the place ; but you must feel that it is impossible 
for me to escort you even under the guns of Kimbourn, without having 
first conquered the Turkish fleet. My intention is to protect Kiml^ourn, 
and I beheve I do so at this moment. If I advance I shall find myself in 
a, position much less favorable, without any perceptible advantage. The 
council of war of the squadron and of the flotilla, which I held the 4th of 
June, very inconsiderately determined to abandon the only good position 
in the Liman (^vithout knowing the intentions of his highness the prince 
marshal) and to advance three versts to occupy another infinitely more 
exposed and less strong. It was comj)romitting our means for the 



294 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

remainder of the war, without placing Kimbourn the least more in safety 
— in tact, all was to the contrary. We have a stronger force in our barges 
than the Turks, in consequence Ave can always go to the assistance of 
Kimbourn, even against the wind. 

" I have the honor to be, with the most distinguished consideration and 
attachment, 

• " My Prince," &c. 

Prince Potemkin, if the following letter may be considered 
as proof, highly approved of the behavior of Jones, and 
professed to be his friend : 

'■'•Head quarters, on the Bog, near Nova ) 
Grigorersky, June 8th, 1*788. j 

" To the Vice Admiral. 

" The part you have taken in concert with the Prince of Nassau, in 
uniting your forces with his, and acting thus against the enemy, caimot, 
sir, but give me most particular pleasure. This junction is as necessary as 
useful for the service of her imperial majesty, and particularly at this time. 
I recommend it to you, therefore, sir, in the strongest manner possible, in 
assuring you that on every occasion it will do me the greatest pleasure to 
appreciate to the empress the services you may render the country. I 
would desire you could defer your operations until I may have approached 
nearer to you, excejjting in case the enemy should give you a good 
-opportunity to offer battle, or that the safety of Kimbourn should 
require it. 

" I have the honor to be, with perfect consideration, 

" Sir, your most obedient sers'ant, 

"Prince Potemkin-Tauricien." 

Although there was not, in the whole fleet on the Liman, or 
on the Black Sea, an officer so well qualified to direct the naval 
operations against the Turks as Jones, yet, situated as he was, 
among rival commanders, he found it indispensable to defer his 
judgment to that of others. He appeared to be disj)osed to 
com-t the favor of Prince Potemkin. 

On the 8th of June the Prince Potemkin had also written to 
the vice admiral a letter of thanks in the following terms : 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 295 

''June 8th, 11 88. 
" To the Vice Admiral. 

" The zeal and intrepidity manifested by your excellency in the affair 
against the Turks, on the 7th of this month, in aiding the Prince of 
Nassau, merit a just distinction,* and I return you my thanks. I am 
persuaded that such undertakings will contribute much to the honor and 
glory of the Russian arms. 

" Prince Potemkin-Tauricien." 

The Vice Admiral replied to the Prince on the 10th 
and 11th : — 

"On board the Wolodimer, June lOth, 1788. 
" The Prince Marshal Potemkin-Tauricien. 
"My Lord, 
" It is A^itli the highest satisfaction that I find your Highness has been 
pleased with my conduct, and that by your letter which I have just 
received, dated the 8th instant, you have approved of the an-angements 
made by the Prince of Nassau and myself, to combine the forces which 
you have confided to us, to act in concert. For my own part, as it is my 
glory to serve under your ordei-s, / will sacrifice my own ojnnion, in 
every instance where the inteirsts of Hussia may render it necessary, and 
I shall esteem myself most happy in doing all that honor may require, to 
prove how sensible, and how flattered I am at the goodness and kindness 
of the Empress, and how ambitious I am to merit the friendship of Your 
Highness, in contributing all in my power to advance the great -sdews you 
entertain for the good of the country. 

" I have the honor to be, &c.'' 

''Wolodimer, of Oczakof, June Uth, 1788. 
" The Prince Marshal Potemkin. 
"My Lord, 
" I am highly flattered by the letter which Your Highness done me 
the honor to write to me the 8th of this month, to inform me that you 
were satisfied with my conduct in the affair of the 7 th inst. It is a new 
proof of your gi-eat and generous soul. I can assure you that I did not 

• For this affair I received from fiis highness the order ol St. Anne. 



296 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

enter it to increase my own personal interests, but solely for the benefit of 
the Russian arms, as I saw the fii*st division of the flotilla of Her Imperial 
Majesty in disorder, and in a most critical situation. 

" I have the honor to be, &c." 

On the 20th of June, 1Y88, in a letter to Prince Potemkin, 
the Vice Admiral adverts to an aifair between the Pnssians 
and the Turks, in which he bore a part, and for which he 
received a second time the thanks of the Prince : 

''Wolodimer, off Oczakof, June 20th, 1788. 
" His Highness the Prince Marshal. 
" My Lord, 

" I could not ha^'e been more flattered than by the letter which it has 
pleased Your Highness to write to me the 19th inst., to mark yovir satis- 
faction for the victory gained over the enemy, and to do me the ^:>ar<z- 
cular honoi- of offering me your thanks. This is a recompense grateful 
to a heart entirely devoted to you, and nothing can give me more pleasure 
than to find new opportunities to prove my devotion to the interests of 
Russia. 

" My intention was to have attacked the Turkish fleet at the same in- 
stant I perceived the action commence between the fleet of Sevastopole and 
that of the Turks, outside of Kimbourn. I would have done it also, if 
Kimbourn had been attacked, and our position and om" circumstances 
rendered it indispensable that we should remain firm in case of an attack. 
We were to conquer or to die, and my resolution was taken. But it is 
fortunate for us that we did not advance, for it was the intention of the 
Turks to attack and board us, and if we had been only three vei-sts farther, 
the attempt would have been made on the 16th (before the vessel of the 
Captain Pasha ran aground, in advancing before the wind with all his 
forces to attack us), God only knows what would have been the result. 
The Turks had a very large force, and we have been informed by our 
prisoners that they were resolved to destroy us, even by burning them- 
selves (in setting fire to their own vessels, after having grappled with 
ours).* It is certain we should have lost considerably, and it is at least 

* Before their departure from Constantinople, they swore by the beard of the 
Sultan to execute this horrible plan ; and if Providence had not caused its failure 
from two circumstances which no man could foresee, Cherson, being without a 
garrison, would have fallen into their power the next day, with all the provisions and 
military stores, as well for the army as for the navy. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 297 

to be i^-esumed that our vessels would have been rendered unfit for ser- 
vice, so that, I repeat, Providence has highly favored us. 

" Your Hjghness can now look upon the capture of Oczakotf as certain 
as the most superior means and arrangements can render military opera- 
tions. We learn by our prisoners that there are eight thousand troops in 
that place, who are but badly disciplined. Tliere remains only with 
Hassan Pacha four vessels of his fleet, to wit : One small frigate, one 
schooner, one sloop-of-war, and one chebec aground, but the flotilla is still 
with him. I would not have been surprised to have been attacked in the 
night ; they are greatly enraged, and, in consequence, will commit 
some desperate acts. Each day some of their men are hung up to the 
yard arm. 

" I have the honor to be, with the most perfect attachment, &c." 



Being before Oczakoff, on the 29th of August, 1788, he wrote 
to Mr. Jeiferson. In one part of his letter he speaks doubtlngly 
of his situation : — 



"On hoard the Wolodimer, before Oczakoff, ) 
Aug. 29—9 Sept. 1788. j" 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Dear Sir, 

" Since I wrote you last from Copenhagen, the 8th of April, I have 
been very much hurried ; but my gi-eatest difficulty has not been want of 
time, but want of a private opportunity to write to you. Mr. Littlepage is 
now on the point of leaving the array of the Prince Marechal de Potem- 
kin, and talks of being at Paris in the month of October ; I avail myself, 
therefore, of the opportunity he offers to send you enclosed a copy of my 
last letter from Copenhagen, vnth a copy of the oflUcial letter I received 
from the Count de Bernstorff", and a copy of the letter I have just received 
on the subject of my public business there, from Monsieur Framery, 
Secretary to the Legation of France at the Court of Denmark, informing 
me he had received and forwarded to you the answer I expected from the 
Consul of France, at Bergen in Norway. This last must necessarily make 
you acquainted with all you wanted to know respecting our claim on the 
Court of Denmark. 

" The within letter to the Marquis de la Fayette was intended for you 
as well as him, and I send you the copy because I am not sure if he 
received the original. The American constitution, I suppose, is adopted ; 



298 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

but I am still afraid of the danger that may result fi-om entrusting the 
President with such tempting power as military rank and command must 
give him ! I can in no situation, however remote I am, be easy, while the 
liberties of America seem to me to be in danger. 

" I leave to Mr. Littlepage to inform you particularly of the military 
events that have taken place here this campaign, I can take no delight 
in telling over tales of blood. God knows there has been too much of it 
spilt ! Scenes of horror have been acted under my eyes in which, how- 
ever, I have the happiness to say, I had no part. 

"I pray you to inform me, if you possibly can, what is become of Mrs. 

T . I am astonished to have heard nothing from her since I left Paris. 

I had written to her frequently, before I left Copenhagen. If you cannot 
hear of and see her, you will oblige me much by writing a note to 
Monsieur Dubois, Commissaire du Regiment des Guardes Frangais, vis a 
vis la Rue de Vivienne, Rue neuve des petits Champs, desiring to speak 
with him. He will wait on you immediately. You must know, that 
besides my own purse, which was very considerable, I was good natured, or, 
if you please, foolish enough to borrow for her four thousand four hundred 
livres. Now Mr. Dubois knows that transaction, and as she received the 
money entire fi-om me for the reimbursement, I wish to know if she has 
acquitted the debt ? When that affair is cleared up, I shall be better able 
to judge of the rest. 

" I am, with perfect esteem, dear Sir, &c." 

'■'■Copenhagen, May 3d, 1*788. 
" Commodore Paul Jones, St. Petersburg. 
" Dear Commodore, 

" The packet which M. Dechezlaux, Consul of France at Berghen in 
Norway, as you informed me at your departure, was about to forward 
you to Copenhagen, arrived on the 26th ult. to my address, accompanied 
by a letter from this Consul requesting me to transmit it to you. On the 
29th I had the pleasure to expedite it, agreeably to yom- wishes, addressed 
to Mr. Jefferson, through the channel of the Department of Foreign 
Affairs, for greater safety. I have seized with eagerness this occasion, to 
offer my services to that minister, in every thing that could interest or 
please him in this country, without saying more, leaving the rest to your 
disposal. The advance which I made on account of the expenses of the 
packet which was very voluminous, amounting to 6rixd. 4m. 12s. or 30hv. 
10s. Tour. I have requested of M. Jeffei-son to remit for my account to M. 
J. F. Frin, banker, rue de Carroussel, at Paris. 

" It is to be beheved you are yet at St. Petersburg. I will learn with 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 299 

increased gratification your arrival in this capital, as reports are in circula- 
tion here that you have perished in a storm in the Gulf of Finland, but 
as the relation of this pretended misfortune changes every day, I am still 
persuaded that it exists only in the mouths of evil disposed persons, who 
first forged and spread the account. My good wishes accompany you in 
every part of the world, animated by the remembrance of the friendship 
you expressed for me when at Copenhagen. The Baron de la Houze to 
whom I mentioned that I was about to write to you, has charged me 
renew to you the assurance of the sentiments of esteem and real attachment 
with which you have inspired him. He is so for from giving credence to the 
report which I have mentioned, that he awaits by the arrival of every 
courier, the letter which you promised to write him, as soon as you had 
reached your port of destination. 

" Affairs are here in nearly the same situation as you left them, only 
that the Prince Charles of Ilesse Cassel arrived in this capital a few days 
since, on account of the voyage which the Prince Royal of Denmark is 
about to make this summer to Norway, where the Prince Charles will 
precede him by a few weeks, in order to receive him ; the voyage is fixed 
for the l7th of the next month. Everything appears very peaceable 
and tranquil in this country, even to the armament of 12 ships of the line 
and 8 frigates, which the King of Sweden has ordered to Carlscrone, since 
the Danish government confines itself, at least for the present, to 4 ships 
of the line and 2 or 3 frigates ; but as we are not ignorant of the state of 
the finances of Gustavus III., it is asked, what power it is that furnishes 
him the necessary means of fitting out a squadron of such considerable 
force ? If it is England, or rather the Porte ? what is the intention of this 
monarch, as the armament is by far too large for a mere naval parade, 
and then, too small for any enterprise whatever ? In fine, it is not known 
where his Swedish majesty will procure, in a season already so far 
advanced, a sufficient number of sailoi"s to man his ships. These are, sir, 
the reflections which are made in Demnark, while you are gathering new 
laurels under the auspices of the immortal Catharine. I shall certainly not 
be the less happy to applaud your glorious successes ; and the satisfaction 
I shall feel in seeing them public will equal the sincere devotion and 
profound respect with which I have the honor to be, &c. 

" Framery, 
" Secretary of Legation of His Most Christian Majesty." 

" P.S. The Count de Bernstorff informed the Baron de la Houze, in his 
last conference, that he was about to send plenipotentiary powere to the 
Baron de Blome, minister plenipotentiary to our court, to treat definitively 
with Mr. Jefterson, on the affair which was in agitation during your 
residence in Copenhagen. 



300 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

On the 18tL of October, 1788, from some cause or other, not 
fiillj explained, but in all probability from his having presumed 
to dispute the accm'acy of the accounts which Prince Potemkin 
transmitted to the empress, of the military and naval operations 
under his direction, the command of the vice admiral was 
transferred from the Liman to the Northern Seas. The follow- 
ing extract from the preface of Eaton's Sm^vey of the Turkish 
Empire, may serve to explain the principal motive of this 
change, which, in effect, was equivalent to a suspension from all 
present employment in the navy : — 

W. Eaton's survey of the Turkish Empire. — 2d Ed. London, 1*799. — 
Preface to the 1st Edition. 

" It is a difficult thing- at all times to discover truth, amidst the 
misrepresentations of courts, of ministers, of commanders. Should any 
one write, for instance, the history of the last war between Russia and 
Turkey, he would take for his guide, in relating the first event, the siege 
of Oczacoff. the accounts published by the court of St. Petersburg, and the 
reports of the commanders. There he would find a brilliant victory gained 
by Prince Nassau over the Turkish fleet in the Liman ; but if he could get 
the report made by Paul Jones to the admiralty of Cherson, signed by all 
the commanders of the fleet, he would find that no engagement took 
place (except a distant cannonade) ; that the Turkish ships ran aground 
by their ignorance and bad manoeuvres ; and that Nassau with his fotilla, 
instead of taking possession of them, set them on fire. This journal which 
I have read, and taken an extract from, was forbidden by Prince Potemkin 
to be sent to Petersbm-g, and the whole campaign, as it stands on record, 
is nearly a romance. The fortress might have been taken the 1st of July 
with more ease than on the 6th of December, 1*788, and the commander- 
in-chief knew it. I was at the opening of the trenches, and at the 
storming of the place, and therefore can speak of facts to which I was an 
eye-witness." 

It was on the 18th of October, 1T88, that Prince Potemkin 
communicated to Vice Admiral Jones, an order to repair to 
St. Petersburg, in these terms : 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 301 

" October I8th, 1788. 
" Order to the Vice Admiral. 

" According to the desire of her imperial majesty, your place of service 
is fixed in the Northern seas ; and as this squadron, and the flotilla, are 
placed by me under the orders of the vice admiral and the Chevalier de 
No]•di^^noti', yom* excellency will in consequence proceed on the said 
voyage ; principally, as the squadron in the Liman, on account of the 
season being so far advanced, cannot be united with that of Sevastopole. 

"Prince Potemkin-Tauricien." 

The prince, however, was generous. He possessed an 
elevated soul ; and, on the departure of the vice admiral, gave 
him the subjoined recommendatory certificate to the Empress 
Catharine : 

From His Highness the Prince Marshal to Her Imperial Highness 
of all the Russias. 

" Ji the ca77i2) before Oczacoff, Oct. ^\ — 11 Nov. 1*788. 
" Madam, 

" In placing before the august throne of your Imperial Majesty, his 
Excellency the Vice Admiral Paul Jones, I take, with submission, the 
liberty to certify the ardor and zeal which he has always shown for the 
service of your Imperial Majesty ; endeavoring to render himself worthy of 
the august favor of your Imperial Majesty. 

" The most faithful subject of your Imperial Majesty, 

"Prince Potemkin, Tawritcheskoy.'' 

Arrived at St. Petersburg, the vice admiral addressed a letter 
to Mr. Jefferson, in which it is plainly to be perceived, that he 
began to cast about him for new enterprises : but more particu- 
larly with a view to the promotion of the interests of the United 
States : 

''St. Petersburg, Jan. 15—26, 1789. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" My Dear Sir, 
" Having wrote you fully respecting the Denmark business by Mr. 



302 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Littlepage, with the papers necessary to finish it, I now have the honor to 
transmit you the extract of my journal that you wish to communicate to 
the Academy of lnscrij)tions and Belles-Lettres on the subject of the medal 
with which I am honored by Congress. — I have only at present to inform 
you that I returned here from the Black Sea a short time ago, by the 
special desire of her imperial majesty ; but I know not yet my future 
destination. — I congi-atulate you on the establishment of the new American 
Constitution. Among other good effects, a marine force Avill naturally 
result from it. If there is still a disposition to send a force against the 
Algerines, would it not be a good thing to conclude a treaty with this 
country, and make the war a common cause in the Mediterranean. The 
Turks and Algerines are together, and acted in conjunction against us 
before Oczacoff. A treaty might now be concluded, permitting Her 
Imperial Majesty to enlist seamen in America, and assuring to America, 
after the peace, a free navigation to and from the Black Sea. — If you 
ajiprove of this idea in general, various other things will necessarily be 
engi-afted in the treaty, and I flatter myself I may obtain the command of 
the force destined to act in conjunction with that of the United States. 

" I beg to hear from you as soon as possible, and I hope to be favored 
with your sentiments, as I have already had some conversation with 
this government on the subject. — Please to mention the situation of your 
arrangement with the Court of Denmark. 

" Present my best respects to the Marquis and to Mr. Short. I con- 
gratulate you all on the happy acquisition of liberty in France. His 
present majesty has established a more glorious title than any of his 
predecessors, and posterity will bless his memory. 

" I avail myself of an express that is just setting out from, the office of 
foreign affairs, so that I have not time even to copy this. 

" I am, dear sir, yours," &c. 

" St. Petersburg, January 2Qth — Zlst, 1*789. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" My Dear Sir, 

" I had the honor to write you a line the 15th-26th from this place, 
where I am arrived a short time ago from the Black Sea. I send enclosed 
an extract of the journal of my campaign in 1779, as you desired ; and T 
now enclose an extract of the letter I wrote you by Mr. Little Page. I 
have heard nothing from him since he left me. I know only that he 
arrived at Warsaw, but am quite uncertain about his return, as he pro- 
posed, to Paris. I can only inform you that I returned here by the 
special desire of the empress, but I know not as yet how or where I am to 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 303 

be employed for the next campaign. I mentioned in my last, as my 
opinion, that if the new government of America determines to chastise the 
Algerines, I think it now a favorable moment to conclude a treaty -with 
Russia. The Turks and Algerines Avere combined against us on the Black 
Sea. The United States could grant leave for Russia to enlist American 
seamen ; and making a common cause with Russia in the Mediterranean, 
America might, at the peace, obtain a free navigation to and fi'om the 
Black Sea. If such a treaty were to take place, I believe I could obtain 
the command of the combined force ; at least no objection would be made 
to it here. Such a connexion might lead to various mutual advantages in 
the commerce between the two nations. I beg to hear from you and to 
know the situation of our claim on the court of Denmark, for the only 
objection made by the Count Bernsdorff is now removed, by the estabhsh- 
ment of the new American constitution. 

" I am, with perfect esteem and attachment," &c. 

The vice admiral remained a considerable time at Petersburg, 
enjoying the esteem of the empress, but obnoxious to the 
calumnies of the English party at that court. The annexed 
documents show that he had a fresh project in contemplation, 
and that he was, at least in some degree, countenanced in it by 
the Russian ministry : 

Secret note addressed to the JMinister at St. Petersburg by the Vice- 

Admiral. 

''June 6 ^A, 1789. 

" The great object of a Russian fleet in the Mediterranean is to endeavor 
to cut ofi" the communication between Egypt and the coast of Syria with 
Constantinople, from whence they procure their corn, rice, coffee, &c. 
This operation will oblige them to withdraw a very considerable part of 
their fleet from the Black Sea. To encompass this end, I ask a carte- 
blanche, and only, exclusive of small boats, five large vessels, like the East- 
Indiamen which are purchased in London after they have made three 
voyages, and which carry from forty to fifty guns. They are strong ves- 
sels and good sailers. They are sent from London to Naples under the 
English flag, under pretext of being engaged in mercantile enterprizes. 
No pei-son can have anything to say against it. The crews of these vessels 
being anived in Italy, would engage in the service of Russia. For the 
rest we would easily find good sailoi-s at Malta and at Naples. 



304 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" I would employ two small French vessels between Malta and Naples 
trading to Smyrna to procure continual news from Constantinople, and of 
the force and position of the Turkish fleet. There are some very important 
blows to be made, but in order to succeed we must not speak of this mat- 
t-er beforehand. 

" We are informed that the want of provisions at Constantinople has 
occasioned a rebellion, discouraged the people, and caused a great deser- 
tion of the troops. It is the policy of the Vizier to render himself popukr 
by providing sufficiently for them. 

" I have the honor to be, &c." 

" To the Minister of State at St. Petersburg. 

" St. Petersburg, June 13th— 2ith, 1789. 

" The detachment of vessels of which your excellency has spoken to me, 
cannot but be very advantageous to the ojierations which I had projected : 
however, I regard the means mentioned in the private note which I 
addressed to you, as a thing most useful, and which will not cost so much 
in proportion. I would wish, since circumstances will permit of it, to unite 
the means, and then I think we will have reason to be content with the 
advantages which will be the result. 

" I mentioned to your excellency that I am the on!^/ officer who has 
made the campaign of Liman without being promoted, but I beg you to 
believe that I did not enter into the service of Russia to create difficulties, 
and since the Empress has granted me her esteem and confidence, I desire 
nothing else, except occasions to prove my attachment by new services. 

" I have the honor to be, (fee." 

That Jones was hated and slandered by the British partj 
upon his first arrival at St. Petersburg, and when he returned 
to that city from before Oczakoif, is confirmed not only by his 
own letters to his friends, but by a passage in Tooke's Life 
of Catharine II. Tooke's work has long occupied a place in 
our libraries, both public and private ; and an extract from it is 
inserted here for the pui-pose of demonstrating to the reader 
the little confidence that is to be placed in the narrative of his 
work, and upon what slender materials some authors venture to 
detail events. The Vice Admiral was disliked by the British 
officers in the Kussian service because they envied his glory, at 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 305 

that time reviled the American name and character, and 
because he stood in their way to preferment. Tooke, imbibing 
the prejudices of his countrymen, and intenningling with them 
a bitterness of spirit of his own, dechires him to have been " a 
pirate and renegadoP But in what instance did Jones fight or 
capture without a regular commission? Li what respect was 
he " a pirate and renegado " more than the American people in 
general, who, before the revolutionary war, were all British 
subjects ? Enjoying the friendship of Franklin, of Jefferson, 
of Adams, and of all the distinguished citizens of the United 
States of his day, honored by the King of France with a sword 
and the Order of Military Merit, by Congress with a gold 
medal, received by the Court of Denmark with personal dis- 
tinctions, and invested by the Empress of Russia with the 
command of a Vice Admiral, and decorated for his brilliant 
achievements with the Order of St. Anne, was it for Mr. Tooke 
to brand a man so respected and honored with the name of 
" pirate and renegado ? " Upon the evidence adduced in the 
present volume an impartial world will decide between the 
heroic Jones and his calumniators. 



From W. Tooke's Life of CoAharine II. of Russia, Vol. 2, p. 252, 

1788. 

" Anotlier naval armament was prepared, with no less industry, for the 
service of the Euxine ; but Russia not being able to cope with her enemy 
there, in the number or sti'ength of line-of-battle ships wliich she could 
bring into action, intended to supply this defect by the construction of a 
numerous flotilla, composed of fi-igates, gallies, gun-boats, and various 
descriptions of light vessels, calculated to act near the shores, in a depth 
of water which would not admit the approach of capital ships. It was, 
however, principally intended for the security of Kimbourn, by i-endering 
the entrance of the Dniepe inaccessible to the Turkish fleet. As these 
vessels were not, on this service, liable to be exposed to the danger of the 
seas and storms, they were accordingly fortified with a tremendous 
artillery, composed of heavy battering cannon, and of large mortars; and 

20 



306 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

besides excellently stored with able seamen and veteran soldiers ; they 
were eminently fitted for the designed purpose. The prince of Nassau, 
who had been heard of in the late war, both in the French unfortunate 
attempt on the island of Jersey, and in the still more disastrous attack of 
the combined nations of France and Spain on the fortress of Gibraltar, 
and whose uncommon rage for adventure and eagerness to signalize him- 
self, have led him almost to every part of the world where any service was 
to be performed, or danger encountered, was appointed to the command 
of the naval armament on the Euxine." 

P. 259. — "It is well known that there is a want of native officei-s of 
sufficient ability and experience, to conduct the operations of the Russian 
navy with judgment and eftect. It was not perhaps in the nature of 
things that this deficiency could be fully supplied by foreigners. It was, 
however, the only resource, and the conclusion of the American war 
afforded a considerable sujiply of young English officers, whose minds 
were too alert to live out of action, if it could any where be found. Few, 
if any of these, had risen to any higher rank in their own service tlian 
that of lieutenant, so that the command of single ships seemed the highest 
advancement to which they could yet be competent. They were, how- 
ever, of the utmost importance to Russia in the present state of things ; 
and Great Britain, notwithstanding the jealousies subsisting between the 
two courts, refrained from proceeding to the extremity of recalling them 
home. 

" This known scarcity of commanders could not foil to attract the atten- 
tion of foreign adventurers, who had acquired any experience and 
reputation in maritime affiiirs. Of this number was the English pirate 
and renegado Paul Jones, who had rendered himself so notorious in the 
American war, by the mischiefs which he did to the trade of his country, 
and whose desperate courage, which only served to render his atrocious- 
ne&s conspicuous, would, in a good cause, have entitled him to honor, 

" This man could not but experience the common fote incident to his 
character ; and, finding that he did not meet the consideration which he 
expected in America, he made a tender of his services to the court of St. 
Petei-sburg, where he was gladly received, and immediately appointed to 
a high command in the grand fleet which was under equipment at Cron- 
stadt. The British officers, full of those national and professional ideas of 
honor, which they had imbibed in their own country and service, con- 
sidered this apjiointment as the highest aflVont that could be offered to 
them, and a submission to it an act of such degradation that no time or 
circumstance could wipe away the dishonor. They accordingly went in a 
body, to the amount of near thirty, without a single dissentient lagging 
behind, or hesitating on the account of inconvenience or personal cUstress, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 307 

to lay down theii* commissions ; declaring at the same time that it was 
impossible for them to serve under, or to act in any manner or capacity 
whatever, with a pirate or a renegado. , ' ' 

"Nothing could have been more vexatious, or more embarrassing to 
the Court of St. Petersbui'g, at the ])resent critical pei'iod, than the 
sj^irited conduct of the officers. Punctilios of honor operating in the 
face of command, was a thing unheard of in that service. No Russian, 
under the first rank or order, would dare to insinuate such an idea. As 
it was, it could not be considered as less than a direct insult to the court, 
and any submission to it as a grievous derogation from its dignity. It 
would, besides, establish a precedent which might be troublesome or 
dangerous with respect to her own sul)jects. It w^as well for the officers that 
they were not the membere of a small state, and that this did not happen 
in a season of peace, when their services might be dispensed with. The 
necessity of the time however prevailed. The appointment of Paul 
Jones to a command in the Cronstadt fleet was recalled ; and that adven- 
turer (whose character of an impetuous courage had made an impression on 
the court far beyond its real value) was ordered to the armament in the 
Euxine, as second to the Prince of Nassau. In the meantime a report was 
raised of a scandalous adventure with a girl, which making a noise in the 
town, occasioned him to think it advisable to quit the coiuitry entirely." 

The story of the " scandalous adventure with a girl," aUuded 
to by Tooke, at first made an impression on the mind of Catlia- 
rine unfavorable to the Admiral ; but, on investigation, it was 
discovered to have been a base invention of his enemies. The 
following letter from the Count de Segur, which does equal 
credit to the head and the heart of that illustrious nobleman, 
is conclusive as to this particular : 

Copies of the letter from Count de Segur, Minister Plenipotentiary from 
France to St. Petersburg, to the Count D'Esterns, Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary of His Most Christian Majesty, near His Majesty the King 
of Prussia, and the Chevalier Bourgoing, Minister Plenipotentiary 
from France to Hamburg. 

'' St. Petersburg, August 26th, 11 89. 
" Sir, 
" The Vice Admiral Paul Jones, who will have the honor to deliver 



308 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

this letter, commanded dui-ing the last camjoaign, a Russian squadi'on 
stationed on the Liman. The empress has decorated him on this occasion 
with the order of St. Ann. He had a right by his actions to a promotion 
and to a recompense, but this celebrated sailor, knowing better how to 
conduct himself in the midst of his battles than in courts, has offended by 
his frankness some of the most powerful people, and amongst others the 
Prince Potemkin. His enemies and his rivals have profited by his 
momentary disgrace to hasten his destruction. Calumny has served their 
purposes, they have given credit to reports absolutely false — they have 
accused him of \dolating a girl. The empress being deceived has forbid 
him the court, and wished to bring him to trial. Every person has 
abandoned him, I alone have upheld and defended him. The country to 
which he belongs, the order of military merit which he bears, and which 
he has so nobly acquired, his brilliant reputation, and, above all, our long 
acquaintance, have made it a law to me : my cares have not been in vain, 
I have caused his innocence to be acknowledged. He has repaired to 
court, and has kissed the hand of the sovereign, but he will not remain in 
a country v/here he beheves himself to have been treated with injustice. 
However, he has not given in his resignation. The empress still preserves 
for him his rank, his emoluments, and only grants him permission to 
absent himself for a hmited time. The true motive of his departure is 
founded on his own discontent. But he has made use of, as a pretext, 
im]»ortant affairs which call him to France, to Denmark, and which may, 
perhaps, require his presence in America. I beg you, sir, to render to 
this brave man, as interesting by the reverses of fortune which he has met 
with as by his past success, every service which may be in your power. 
It will lay me under a true obligation, and I shall share in a hvely manner 
his gratitude. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" Le Count Segur." 

The vice admiral, it will have been observed, had himself 
solicited leave of absence, retaining his rank, and its emolu- 
ments. His enemies seized the opportunity to circulate a rumor 
that he was in disgrace. To counteract the effect of this report, 
his friend Count Segur wrote to Count Montmorin as follows : 

" St. Petersburg, July 21st, 1789. 
" The Count Montmorin. 

" Monsieur, 

" The enemies of the Vice Admii-al Paul Jones, having caused to be 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 309 

circulated reports entirely destitute of foundation concerning tlie voyage 
which this general officer is about to undertake, I would wish the 
enclosed article, the authenticity I guaranty, should be inserted in the 
Gazette of France, and in the other public papers, which are submitted to 
the inspection of your department. This article will undeceive those who 
have believed the calumny, and will prove to the friends and to the com- 
patriots of the vice admiral that he has sustained the reputation acquired 
by his bravery and his talents dui-ing the last war ; that the empress 
desires to retain him in her service, and that if he absents himself at this 
moment it is with his own free-will, and for particular reasons which 
cannot leave any stain on his honor, 

"The glorious marks of the satisfaction and bounty of the king towards 
Mr. Paul Jones, his attachment to France, which he has served so usefully 
in the common cause, his rights as a subject and as an admiral of the 
United States, the protection of the ministers of the king, and my personal 
friendship for this distinguished officer, with whom I made a campaign in 
America, are so many re;isons which appear to me to justify the interest 
which I took in all that concerned him during his stay in Russia. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" Count de Segur." 

Article to be inserted in the public prints, and particularly in the Gazette 

of France. 

''St. Petersburg, July 2\st, 1789. 
"The Vice Admiral Paul Jones being on the point of returning to 
France, where private afFaii-s require his presence, had the honor to take 
leave of the empress the Yth of this month, and to be admitted to kiss the 
hand of her imperial majesty. This general officer, so celebrated by his 
brilliant actions during the course of the American war, was called in 1787 
to the ser\ace of her imperial majesty, who confided to him the command 
of her vessels of war stationed on the Liman, during the campaign of 
1788. As a mark of favor for his conduct during this campaign, the 
empress has decorated him with the insignia of the order of St. Ann, and 
her imperial majesty, satisfied with his ser\aces, only grants him permis- 
sion to absent himself for a limited time, and still preserves for him his 
emoluments and his rank. 

" Count de Segur." 

The slander was finally put to rest. Among other letters of 
congratulation, the vice admiral received one from the Baron 
de la Houze, minister plenipotentiary of France at Copenhagen : 



310 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Copenhagen, February 9th, 1*790. 

" The Vice Admiral J. Paul Jones. 

" Sir, 

" It is but a few days since I received with the letter with which you 
have honored me of the 29th of December, the copies of that of the Count 
de Segur, which you have been pleased to communicate to me, and which 
were accompanied by the article inserted on your account in the Gazette 
of France, and which I had read. This article, which has been repeated 
in many foreign gazettes, has entirely destroyed all the venomous effects 
which calumny had employed to tarnish the distinguished reputation 
which you have acquired by your talents and your valor. In consequence, 
public opinion still continues to render you justice, and the most noble 
revenge you can take on your enemies is to gather fresh laurels. The 
celebrated Athenian general Themistocles has said that he did not envy 
the situation of one who was not envied. As to the aifair, concerning 
wliich you speak to me, and in which you have been witness to my zeal, 
as well for your compatriots as for my own, it remains still at the same 
point where you left it on your departure for St. Petereburg, the 15th 
April, 1788. A note in answer, which the Count de Bernstorft' addressed 
to you on the 4th, keeps always in view the affair which you negotiated 
with him, but for the conclusion of which you are not clothed with the 
necessary plenipotentiary powers. You know, however, that according to 
the note of the Count de Bernstorff, Paris ought to have been the seat of 
the negotiation between the Baron de Blome, Envoy Extraordinary of His 
Danish Majesty, and Mr. Jefferson, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United 
States of North America near the king. You inform me that Mr. Jeffei-son 
is at present in America, where he has been appointed Secretary of State 
for foreign affaire. No person, then, can better instruct than him his 
successor to Paris, to take up the thread of this negotiation with the Baron 
de Blome. I spoke, three days since, to the Count de Bernstorff, who 
perseveres according to what he told me, in all that he mentioned to you 
in his note of the 4th of April, 1788, but this minister observed to me 
that the circumstances of the actual crisis of Europe did not permit him 
to follow at this time the negotiation, which it appeared to him best to 
keep back imtil the return of a calm. 

" When I shall have the pleasure to see M. Broseronde, our consul at 
Elsineur, I shall take care to renew to him the assurance of your remem- 
brance, to which he will most certainly be sensible, as likewise is M. 
Framery, Secretary of my Legation, who begs you to accept his compUments 
and his thanks. 

" You will part, in all probability, about the commencement of the fine 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 311 

season to return to Russia. I wish that your voyage may procure me, as 
you have given me reason to expect, satisfaction to exjiress personally to 
you the distinguished sentiments of attachment and consideration with 
which I have the honor to be, sir, 

" Your obedient, &c. 

" Le Baron de la Houze." 

This letter of the Baron de la Houze looked forward to 
Jones's speedy return to the Russian service, and the subjoined 
address to Prince Potemkin evinces the desire of Jones to do 
so. At the same time that Jones, with the frankness of a man 
of courage, apologizes to the prince for what he supposed had 
offended him, he vindicates his own character with freedom 
and energy : 

" Paris, July 2Uh, 1790. 
" To His Highness the Prince Marshal. 
" My Lord, 

" I do not think it becomes me to let pass the occasion of the return of 
your aid-de-camp, to congratulate you on the brilliant success of your 
operations since I had the honor to serve under your ordere ; and to 
express to you, in all the sincerity of my heart, the regret I feel in not 
being fortunate enough to contribute thereto. 

"After the campaign of Liman, when I had leave, according to the 
special desire of Her Imperial Majesty, to return to the department of the 
northern seas, your Highness did me the favor to grant me a letter of 
recommendation to the Empress, and to tell me in these words, ' Rely 
upon my attachment. I am disposed to grant you the most solid proofs 
of my friendship, for the present and for the future.' Do you recollect 
them ? This discourse was too flattering for me to forget it, and I hope 
you will permit me to remind you of it. Circumstances, and the high 
rank of my enemies, have deprived me of the benefits which I had dared 
to hope from the esteem which you had expressed for me, and which I 
had endeavored to merit by my services. You know the disagreeable 
situation in which I was i)laced, but if, as I dared to believe, I have pre- 
served your good opinion, I may still hope to see it followed by advantages, 
which it will be my glory to owe to you. M. de Simolin can testify to 
you that my attachment to Russia, and to the gi'eat princess who is its 
sovereign, has always been constant and durable. I attended to my duties. 



312 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

and not to my fortune. I have been wrong, and I avow it with a frank- 
ness which carries with it its own excuse. — 1. That I did not request of 
you a carte-hlanche, and the absolute command of all the forces of the 
Liman. — 2. To have written to your Highness under feelings highly 
excited, on the 14-25th October, 1788. These are my faults. If my 
enemies have wished to impute others to me, I swear before God, that 
they are a calumny. It only rests with me, my lord, to unmask the 
villainy of my enemies, by publishing my journal of the operations of the 
campaign of Liman, with the proofs clear as the day, and which I have in 
my hands. It only rests with me to prove that I directed, under your 
orders, all the useful operations against the Captain Pasha ; that it was I 
who beat him on the 7th of June ; that it was I, and the brave men I 
commanded, who conquered him on the l7th of June, and who chased 
into the sands two of his largest galleys, before our flotilla was ready to 
fire a single shot, and during the time a very considerable part of the 
force of the enemy remained at anchor immediately in the rear of my 
squadron ; that it was I who gave to General Suwarrow, (he had the 
nobleness to declare it at court before me, to the most respectable wit- 
nesses,) the first project to establish the battery and breastworks on the 
Isthmus of Kinbourn, and which was of such great utility on the night of 
the 17-1 8th June; that it was I, in person, who towed, with my sloops 
and other vessels, the batteries which were the nearest to the place the 1st 
July, and who took the Turkish galleys by boarding, very much in advance 
of our hne, whilst some gentlemen who have been too highly rewarded in 
consequence of it, were content to remain in the rear of the stragglei-s of 
our Hne, if I may be allowed to use the expression, sheltered from danger. 
You have seen yoxu-self, my lord, that I never valued my person, on any 
occasion, where I had the good fortune to act under your eye. The whole 
of Europe acknowledges my veracity, and grants me some military talents, 
which it would give me pleasure to employ in the service of Russia, under 
yom- orders. The time wiU arrive, my lord, when you will know the exact 
truth of what I have told you. Time is a sovereign master. It will teach 
you to appreciate the man, who, loaded with your benefits, departed Q'om 
the Court of Russia with a memorial prepared by other hands and the 
enemies of your glory, and of which memorial he made no use, because 
your brilliant success at the taking of Oczakoff, which he learned on his 
arrival in White-Russia, gave the he to all the horrors which had been 
brought forward to enrage the Empress against you. You know it was 
the echo of another intriguer at the Court of Vienna. In fine, time will 
teach you, my lord, that I am neither a mountebank nor a swindler, but a 
man, true and loyal. I rely upon the attachment and friendship which 
you promised me : I rely on it, because I feel myself worthy of it : I 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 313 

reclaim your promise, because you are just, and I know you are a lover of 
truth. 

" I commanded, and was the only responsible person in the campaign 
of Liman, the others being only of inferior rank, or simple volunteers : I 
am, however, the only one Avho has not been promoted or rewarded. I 
am extremely thankful for the order of St. Ami, which you procured for 
me, according to your letter of thanks /or mrj conduct in the affair of the 
^th of June, whfch was not decisiv-e. The 17th June, I gained over the 
Captain Pasha a complete victory, which saved Cherson and Kinbourn, 
the terror of which caused the enemy to lose nine vessels of war, in their 
precijiitate flight on the following night, under the cannon of the battery 
and breastwork which I had caused to be erected on the Isthmus of Kin- 
bourn. On this occasion I had the honor again to receive a letter of 
thanks ; but my enemies and my rivals have found means to abuse your 
confidence, since they have been exclusively rewarded. They merited 
rather to have been punished for having burnt nine armed prizes with 
their crews, which were absolutely in our power, having previously ran 
aground under our guns. 

" I have been informed that, according to the institution of the order 
of St. George, I have the right to claim its decoration in the second chiss, 
for the victory of the seventeenth of June, but I rely upon your justice and 
generosity. 

" I regret that a secret project which I addressed to the Count du 
Besborodska, the 6th of June of the last year, has not been adopted. I 
communicated this project to the Baron de Beihler, who has promised me 
to speak to you of it. 

" I was detained in St. Petersburg until the end of August, in order to 
hinder me, as I have heard, from proceeding into the service of Sweden — 
my poor enemies, how I pity them ! But for this circumstance, my 
intention was to have presented myself at your head-quarters, in the hope 
to be of some utility ; and the Baron de Beihler, in departing from St. 
Petersburg in order to join you, promised me to assure you of my devo- 
tion for the service of your department, and that I held myself ready to 
»eturn to you the instant I was called. My conduct has not since changed, 
although I hold in my hand a parole for two years, and I regard eighteen 
montlis of this parole, in a time of war, more as a punishment than as a 
favor. 

" I hope that your Highness will succeed in concluding peace this year 
witli the Turks ; but in a contrary case, if it should please you to recall 
me to take command of the fleet in the ensuing campaign, I would ask 
permission to bring with me the French officer concerning whom I spoke 
to you, with one or two others, who are good tacticians, and who have 



314: LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

some knowledge of war. On my return here, I received a gold medal, 
granted me by the unanimous voice of Congress, at the moment I received 
a parole from this honorable body. The United States have decreed me 
this honor, in order to perpetuate the remembrance of the services which 
I rendered to America eight years previous, and have ordered a copy to 
be presented to all the sovereigns and all the academies of Europe, with 
the exception of Great Britain. There is reason to beheve that your High- 
ness will be numbered among the sovereigns of Europe, in consequence of 
the treaty of peace which you are about to conclude with the Turks ; but 
in any case, if a copy of my medal will be acceptable to you, as a mark 
of my attachment to your person, it will do me an honor to offer it to 
you. 

" I have the honor to be, <kc." 

The following letter which the Vice Admiral wrote to the 
Empress Catharine, on the 25th of February, 1Y91, exhibits in 
unequivocal terms, the wound inflicted on his feelings and the 
pain which he endured from the unpleasant situation in which 
he was suffered to remain : — 

''Paris, Feb. 25-8 March, I'/Ql. 
" Her Imperial Majesty of all the Russias. 
" Madam, 
" If I could imagine that the letter which I had the honor to write to 
Your Majesty from Warsaw, Sept. 25th-6th Oct. 1789, had come to 
hand, it would be without doubt indiscreet in me to beg you to cast your 
eyes on the documents enclosed which accuse no person, and the only 
intent of which is to let you see that in the important campaign of Liman, 
the part which I played was not either that of a Zero or of a Harlequin 
which required ' to be made a colonel at the tail of his regiment.' I 
have in my hands the means to prove incontestably that I directed all the 
useful operations against the Captain Pasha. The task which was given 
me at this critical conjuncture was very difScult. I was obliged to sacri- 
fice my own opinion and risk my military reputation for the benefit of 
your Empire. But, I hope, you will be satisfied with the manner in 
which I conducted myself, and also of my subsequent arrangements 
of which I am persuaded you have not been acquainted until this moment. 
The gracious counsel which Your Majesty has often done me the honor to 
repeat to me before my departure for the Black Sea, and in a letter which 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 315 

you have deigned to write to me afterward, has since been the rule of my 
conduct ; and the faithful attachment with which you have inspired me 
for your person, was the only reason which hindered me from requesting 
my dismissal when I wrote to you from Warsaw, for I confess that I was 
extremely afflicted and even offended at having received a parole for two 
years in time of war. A parole which it has never entered into my mind 
to wish for, and still less to ask, and of which I have not profited to go to 
America, or even to Denmark, where I had important business ; for I had 
always hoped to have been usefully employed in your service before the 
expiration of this parole which has done me so much injury, and although 
in public I would not have failed to have spoken to you at the last 
audience which you granted me, but I unfortunately was led to beheve 
the repeated promises made me, that I should have a private audience in 
order to lay before you my military projects, and to speak of them 
in detail. 

" I hope that the brilliant success with which Providence has blessed 
your arms will enable you to grant peace to your enemies without 
shedding more of human blood, but in a contrary case Your Majesty can 
be well instructed from my project, No. 12, of last year. 

" As I have my enemies, and as the term of my parole is about to 
expire, I await the orders of Your Majesty, and should be flattered, if it is 

your pleasure, to come and render you an accoiuit in person. Mr. 

who has the goodness to charge himself with this packet, which I have 
addressed to him, sealed with my arms, will also undertake to forward me 
your orders; I therefore pray you to withdraw me as soon as possible 
from the cruel uncertainty in which I am placed. Should you deign. 
Madam, to inform me that you are pleased with the services which I 
have had the happiness to render you, I will console myself for the misfor- 
tunes which I have suffered, as I drew my sword for you from personal 
attachment for you and ambition, but not for interest. My fortune, as you 
know, is not very considerable, but as I am philosopher enough to confine 
myself to my means, I shall always be rich. 

"I have the honor to be. Madam, yours, &c." 



Mr. Jefferson had now returned to America, and entered 
upon the duties of Secretary of State under the Presidency of 
Washington. Still smarting under the injm-ies he had received 
in Russia, Jones addressed the annexed letter to that old and 
steadfast friend : — 



316 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Paris, March 20 <A, 1 7 9 1 . 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Dear Sir, 

" On my return from Russia to Amsterdam, in December, 1789, 1 wrote 
to several gentlemen in America, particularly to the Vice President, and 
to Mr. Secretary Thomson, enclosing some evidence of the treatment I met 
with in Russia. I wrote at the same time to the President, enclosing a 
letter from the Count de Segur. Messrs. Stuphorsts and Hubbard under- 
took to forward my packets by a ship, then ready to sail for Philadelphia, 
called the Pennsylvania Packet, John Earl, master ; but though that ship 
arrived safe, I have not to this hour received a single line in answer, 

" I need not express to you the pleasure I received from your acceptance 
of the honorable and high station of Secretary of State for domestic and 
foreign aftairs. I felicitate our country on having wisely confided her 
interest to such worthy and able hands ; but it gives me pain that so 
inadequate a provision has been made for doing the honors incumbent on 
the first minister of a nation of such resources as America, and I wish that 
matter may be soon changed to your satisfaction. 

"As it has been, and still is, my first wish and highest ambition to show 
myself worthy of the flattering marks of esteem with which I have been 
honored by my country, I think it my duty to lay before you, both as my 
particular fi-iend and as a pubhc minister, the papers I now enclose relative 
to my connexion with Russia, viz. — Three pieces, dated at St. Petersburg, 
and signed by the Count de Segur ; a letter from me, dated at Paris last 
summer, and sent to the Piince de Potemkin ; and a letter from me to 
the Empress, dated a few days ago. I have selected these testimonials 
from a great variety of perhaps still stronger proofs in my hands ; but 
though the Baron de Grimm has undertaken to transmit to her Imperial 
Majesty's own hands my last packet, I shall not be surprised, if I should 
find myself constrained to withdraw from the Russian service, and to pub- 
lish my journal of the campaign I commanded : in that case, I hope to 
prove to the world, that my operations not only saved Cherson and Crimea, 
but decided the fate of the war. 

" Chevalier Littlepage, now here on his way from Spain to the north, 
has promised me a letter to you on my subject, Avhich I presume will show 
the meanness and absurdity of the intrigues that were practised for my 
persecution at St. Petersburg. I did not myself comprehend all the black- 
ness of that business before he came here and related to me the information 
he received from a gentleman of high rank in the diplomatique, with whom 
he travelled in company from Madrid to Paris. That gentleman had long- 
resided in a public character at the Court of St. Petersburg, and was there 
all the time of the pitiful complot against me ; which was conducted by a 
little-great man, behind the cui'tain. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 31Y 

" The unequal reception with which I had, at first, been honored by the 
Empress had been extremely mortifying and painful to the English at St. 
Petei-sburg, and the courtier just mentioned, (finding that politics had 
taken a turn far more alarming than he had expected at the beginning of 
the war,) wishing to soothe the court of London into a pacific humor, found 
no first step so expedient as that of sacrificing me ! But instead of pro- 
ducing the eft'ect he wished, this base conduct, on which he pretended to 
ground a conciliation, rather widened the political breach, and made him 
to be despised by the English minister, by the EngUsh cabinet, and by 
the gentleman who related the secret to the Chevalier Littlepage. 

" I must farther inform you, that a few days after my arrival from Den- 
mark at St. Petersburg, I received from the Danish minister at that court, 
a letter under the seal of the Count de Bernstortf, which having opened, I 
found to be a patent from the King of Denmark, in the following terms : 

" ' Having reasons for wishing to give new proofs of our bounty to the 
Chevalier Paul Jones, Commander in Chief of the squadrons of the United 
States of America, and desiring, above all, to prove our esteem in conse- 
quence of the regard which he has shown for the Danish flag during the 
time of his command in the northern seas, we grant him from the present 
moment, and annually during his life, the sum of fifteen hundred crowns, 
Danish currency, to be paid at Copenhagen, without arty retention what- 
soever. Done at our Castle of Christianbourg, the 4th of April, 1788.' 

" The day before I left the court of Copenhagen, the Prince Royal had 
desired to speak with ipe in his apartment. His Royal Highness was 
extremely polite, and after saying many civil things, remarked, he hoped 
I was satisfied with the attentions that had been shown to me since my 
arrival, and that the King would wish to give me some mark of his 
esteem. ' I have never had the happiness to render any service to His 
Majesty.' ' That is nothing ; a man like you ought to be excepted from 
ordinary rules. You could not have shown youi-self more delicate as 
regards our flag, and every person here loves you.' 

" I took leave without farther explanation. I have felt myself in an 
embarrassing situation on account of the King's patent, and I have as yet 
made no use of it, though three years have nearly elapsed since I received 
it. I wished to consult you, but when I understood that you would not 
return to Europe, I consulted Mr. Short and Mr. G. Mon-is, who both gave 
me their opinion, that I may with propriety accept the advantage offered. 
I have in consequence determined to draw for the sum due, and I think 
you will not disapprove of this step, as it can by no means weaken the 
plaim of the United States, but rather the contrary. 

" You will observe that the Empress of Russia has decorated me with 
the great order of St. Ann ; and as I have appeared with that order ever 



318 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

since, I must beg the favor of you to obtain and transmit to me, as soon 
as possible, the proper authority of the United States for my retaining 
that honor. You are sensible I did not accept the offer of Her Imperial 
Majesty with a view to detach myself from the service of America, but 
that I have done my utmost to fulfil the intention of Congress in sending 
me last to Europe, ' to acquire that degree of knowledge which may here- 
after render me more extensively useful.' I have in some measure, by my 
experience and observation, effected the object of my pursuit : though I 
confess I have still much to learn, and I wish to embrace the first occasion 
to embark in the French fleet of evolution. 

" I have not, since my return here, appeared at court ; but the Mar<|uis 
de la Fayette will shortly conduct me to the King, when I shall present 
my journal of the American war, with the letter of which I am bearer 
from the United States. 

" I reserve for my return to America to produce to the United States 
full and unquestionable evidence, signed by the Grand Pensioner, that my 
conduct^ in 1779, drew the United Netherlands into the war. This is 
saying enough to a man of your information ; for it would be superfluous 
to enumerate the advantages that thence resulted to America particularly 
the great event which took place under your own eyes, and which could 
not have happened if Holland had remained a neutral power. 

"I am much obliged by the trouble you took in forwarding, before you 
left Europe, the busts I had promised to different gentlemen in America. 
Having lately received a letter from Mr. Burton, a former member of Con- 
gress, with whom I had the honor of being acquainted at New York, 
requesting my bust in behalf of the State of North-Carolina, I have ordered 
Mr. Houdan to prepare and forward it by the first ship from Havre-de- 
Grace, for Philadelphia; and as that bust will be decorated with the order 
of St. Ann, on the American uniform, this is one reason why I wish to be 
authorized by the United States to wear that order. I shall take the 
liberty of addressing the bust to you, requesting you to deliver it to the 
North-Carolina delegates, who will be so good as to forward it to the 
Governor of that state. 

" I continue to be sensibly affected by the situation of our poor country- 
men at Algiers : the more so, as I learn indirectly from the pirate, now 
here, who took the gi-eatest part of them, that if they are not very soon 
redeemed, they will be treated with no more lenity than is shown to other 
slaves. He told this to Mr. Littlepage, who repeated it to me. 

" I have the honor to be, &c." 

The letter promised by Mr. Littlepage, and adverted to by 
Jones, was as follows : — 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 319 

''Paris, March 23, 1191. 
" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
" Sir, 

" You will share my regret in reflecting that we were the principal 
means of engaging Admiral Sir John Paul Jones to accept the propositions 
made to him in 1788 by the Russian Court. Never were more brilliant 
prospects held forth to an individual, and never individual better calculated 
to attain them. The campaign upon the Liman of 1788, added lustre to 
the arms of Russia, and ought to have established for ever the reputation 
and fortune of the gallant officer to whose conduct those successes were 
owing : but unfortunately in Russia, more perhaps than elsewhere, every- 
thing is governed by intrigue. Some political motives, I have reason to 
think, concurred in depri\dng Admiral Paul Jones of the fruits of his ser- 
\'ices : he was thought to be particularly obnoxious to the English nation, 
and the idea of paying a servile compliment to a power whose enmity 
occasions all the present embarrassments of Russia, induced some leading 
persons to ruin him in the opinion of the Empress by an accusation too 
ridiculous. 

" It would be needless to enter into details ; you have too much confi- 
dence in Admiral Paul Jones to douljt the veracity of what he will per- 
sonally communicate to you, and to which I refer you. 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" L. LiTTLEPAGE." 

Hitherto tlie reader has seen the Yice Admiral Paul Jones 
chiefly in his naval character. In another light, however, his 
life was not without interest. In his visits to Paris, and during 
his stay in the ports of France and Holland, his correspondence 
with several of the fair sex, and some of them of the highest 
distinction, demonstrates that he was not insensible to the 
charms of beauty and the delights of love. Judging him in 
this respect by the ardor of a few of those with whom he 
communicated by letter, he would seem to have been as suc- 
cessful in his amatory career as he was in that on the ocean. 
He triumphed as much in the affections of the ladies as he did 
in his contests with the enemy ; and, amidst the gay scenes of 
Paris, the political intrigues of courts, and the bustle of 



320 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

nautical preparation, lie found time to sacrifice to the graces, 
and win the attentions of the sex. It cannot be doubted that 
the fame of his actions contributed to render him popular 
wherever he appeared, and served as an introduction not only 
to the houses of the ordinary class of wealthy citizens, but to 
the hotels of nobles and to the palaces of princes. The French, 
always fond of glory, could not fail to receive with a cheering 
w^elcome the gallant Jones wherever he appeared, and the 
author of this work has before him the indubitable evidence, 
that, at Paris in particular, cards of com'tesy, of invitation, 
and notes of congratulation poured in upon him in abundance. 
At his lodgings, on his visits to eminent personages, in the 
active pursuits of business, he w^as solicited, pressed, and 
fairly forced into parties, recreations, and amusements of all 
sorts. The nobility and gentry of Versailles were proud of his 
acquaintance, and the women of fashion did not think their 
assemblies complete unless Jones moved in the circle. From 
among many letters a number has been selected for publication 
to portray his influence with the fair : — 

From a Lady ivho ivrote under the Signature of Delia. 

"Your letter of wliicli I received on Sunday, the 20th, lacerates 

my heart, and increases my despair ; I kissed -with sad and concentred 
grief, the traces of thy precious tears, and shed a flood of the bitterest 
drops that ever flowed from a breaking heart. I am oppressed with the 
weight of my sorrows — and my mind is phmged in a chaos of doubts 
and fears. No ! never, I feel, never did I love until that moment, at once 
so dear and so fatal to my repose, when fate presented you to my ravished 
sight ; that moment fixed my destiny for ever. Yes ! my tender and 
adorable friend ! on you alone depends that destiny : you alone have the 
power to make my happiness or misery. Pardon this frank confession, 
oh ! my dear Jones ; and be persuaded that deeming thee incapable of a 
mean action, I love, esteem, and even respect thee ; never otherwise would 
I have revealed thus freely all thy power over every faculty of my being, 
I adore thee, I again repeat ; and never did any other mortal possess 
such sway over my heart — this, my dear and only friend, is my pledge of 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 321 

faith ; I am thine — and thine only — during my whole hfe. Be, therefore, 
tranquil ; console thyself; and let us hope that pitying heaven will reunite 
us, and watch over the lot of two beings, who love faithfully, and whose 
upright hearts deserve to be happy. Be careful of thy life, and i-emomber 
that mine depends on it. I incessantly address myself to Heaven for your 
safe arrival in America ; if you are satisfied with that government, you 
will continue in its service ; if not resign, and rejoin your faithful friend ; 
the whole world besides may forsake you, but her heart is eternally yours ; 
I swear it by that sacred flame which will never be extinguished in my 
breast. You ask how you can render me happy ; — take care of yourself 
love me — study the means of enabling us to pass our days together, and 
never forget that ray life is bound up in yours, — and that the moment 
which deprives me of you, will put an end to all my miseries. Your 
health is dear — ten thousand times dearer to me than my own ; if you 
love me, do not neglect it. I have received your letter of the 16th, which 
increases my solicitude on this point; in the name of all that is sacred, 
take care of your precious self. Rely on my heart ; it is yours — and 
nothing can operate a change in its sentiments. I adore you for yourself 
alone, and it is thus that you should be loved. If I was capable of think- 
ing otherwise, I would not sufl:er you to depart, and to expose your 
invaluable life. The thought of your danger brings back all the weak- 
ness of my sex ; and I confess that my anxiety and frightful alarms for 
the object of all my wishes, will, without doubt, hasten my death. The 
terror and solicitude that I feel for my lover are indescribable. Dear 
Jones ! adieu ; I am forced to leave thee ; I cannot go on. The Chevalier 
assures you of his respect and fi'iendly sentiments ; he sets out to-morrowt 
evening ; alas ! happier than his unfortunate sistei', he will soon see you. 
God ! she would willingly be the lowest of your crew." 

"Six posts have arrived, and still no tidings from you; m y heart sin ks 
at the thoughts of so ci-uel a neglect. Are 5'ou sick i or have you ceased 
to love me ? Oh God ! this idea chills my heart. No ! I cannot beheve 
you so barbarous ; you cannot desire my death. Is it possible that 
absence has destroyed my happiness ? Alas ! if absence has deprived me 
of your heart, it is not thus with regard to my feelings towards you, since 
you are now a thousand times dearer to me than on that horrible day of 
our separation. Your letters, your assurances of attachment, the inclina- 
tion of my heart, all have contributed to augment my affection. But 
perhaps I must renounce for ever all those fond hopes that have induced 
me to cherish life : but I may be wrong thus to despair. Yes ! I am too 
sensitive and fearful ; the amiable and tender .Jones is as fiiithful a lover 
as he is a valiant warrior and a zealous patriot ; all those rare qualities ar6 

21 



*> 



322 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

united in the object of all my thoughts and affections; to doubt his 
constancy would be an injury — nay, a crime. Pardon, dear friend, 
my apprehensive terrors ; I will compel my foolish heart to be more 
tranquil. Judge of the excess of my love by my agonizing di-ead of losing 
your esteem — your heart." 

These letters from Delia, it will be admitted, are in rather an 
extravagant strain. They certainly discover a great excess of 
feeling, and if the effusions be not sincere, the writer must 
have had an uncommon faculty of giving reality to artificial 
expressions. 

Jones wi-ote an affectionate letter to Delia after his arrival in 
America : 



^^ December 25, 1781. 

" I wrote, my most lovely Delia, various letters from Philadelphia, the 
last of which was dated the 20th of June. On the 26th of that month I 
was unanimously elected by Congress to command the America of 74 
guns, on the stocks, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I superintended the 
building, which I found so much more backward than I expected, that a 
plan of operation I had in view is entirely defeated. I expected to have 
been at sea this winter, but the building does not go on with the vigor I 
could wish. Since I came here I have not found a single good opportunity 
to write to Europe. I have not since heard fi-om your relation I left 
behind, but suppose he is with the army. This situation is doubly irksome 
to me, my lovely friend, as it stops my pursuit of honor as well as love ! 
It is now more than twelve months since I left France ; yet I have not 
received a single letter from tliee in all that time, except the one written 
in answer to my letter at taking leave. That one is a tender letter indeed, 
and does honor to thy matchless heart ! I read often and always with 
transport the many charming things that are so well expressed in thy 
letters ; but especially the last. Thy adieu has in it all the finer feeling-s, 
blended with the noblest sentiments of the heart ! Providence, all good 
and just, has given thee a soul worthy in all respects to animate nature's 
fairest work. I rest therefore sure that absence will not diminish, but 
refine the pure and spotless friendship that binds our souls together, and 
will ever impress each to merit the affection of the other. Remember and 
believe my letter at parting. It was but a faint picture of my heart. I 
will find opportunities to write, and be everything thou canst wish. My 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 323 

address is under cover to the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq., Minister of 
Finance, Philadelphia." 

The men as well as the women were infatuated with the 
chevalier. The annexed letter affords proof of the flame which 
his reputation had kindled up, impelling individuals of good 
families and connexions to seek for celebrity under his 
command : 

'"'•January, 1780. 
"Sir, 

" Although I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, 
the fame of your exploits, and the glory you acquired in your last engage- 
ment, induce me to ask a favor at your hands ; it is to grant me an 
opportunity of being a witness of, and a partaker in your chivalrous 
adventures. Understanding that you are now at Dunkirk, where, without 
doubt, the desire of flying to achieve new conquests, will not suffer you to 
remain long ; I hasten to offer you my services. I have the honor to 
request that you will receive me simply as a volunteer, in order that 
having no fixed post, I may be eveiywhere : I have farther only to stipu- 
late that you will admit me to your own table, and place me under your 
immediate command, so that I may satiate my eyes with the pleasure of 
beholding your courage, and at least imitate, for it is impossible to equal 
it. If I should be fortunate enough to obtain this favor, rest assured that 
you will always find me in the path of honor. I have been long in the 
service of my country ; but the reform which I have introduced in the 
corps to which I belong, leaves me at leisure to employ myself elsewhere. 
Having a passion for a sea-life, which I have already partially gratified by 
a voyage to the Indies, I am eager to make one or two campaigns. Since 
the moment when the fame of your glorious expedition spread through the 
world, I have wished to serve under your orders ; and seize the present 
opportunity to assure you, that, if you accept my proffered services, you 
will never have cause to repent it : circumstances of a very peculiar nature 
render me very anxious to execute this intention. I will waive all mention 
of my family ; chance has thrown me in an elevated situation ; this is my 
only observation on this subject. If you design an expedition imme- 
diately, and will receive me in the number of those who are emulous to 
acquire glory under your command, have the goodness to write me, and I 
will immediately repair to the spot you may point out. 
" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" De Tourneville." 



324 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

On one occasion a lady declined his advances in the following 
delicate manner ; although it would appear that she had 
induced them : 

" SlE, 

" I am grateful for the sentiments which you entertain for me, and it 
would give me pleasure to reply to them ; but I could not do so without 
deceiving a gentleman with whom I hve ; and that is what I am incapable 
of doing. After this confession you must be aware of my way of thinking ; 
and that what I said yesterday was only meant in jest. 
" With all possible consideration, sir, 

" I have the honor to be your affectionate servant." 

The annexed note is rather more equivocal : 



" Madame de H. begs Mr. Jones to pardon the liberty she takes in 
addressing him, without having the honor of his acquaintance; and 
requests a moment's conversation with him at her apartments in the royal 

palace, or at the hotel of the Duchess of . She asks a thousand 

pardons if she should be the means of giving him any trouble at the 
moment of his departure ; but he must not be astonished that all are eager 
to profit by the present opportunity of seeing him," 



In one of the preceding letters the enraptured Delia speaks 
of certain verses of the chevalier. Among his papers are those 
subjoined, which are, perhaps, the same that the lady alluded to : 

I. 

" When Jove from high Olympus goes 

To Ida, and the fair below. 
All heav'n laments — but Juno shows, 

A jealous and superior wo : 
In vain to her all pow'r is given, 

To female weakness ever dear ; 
She scorns the sov'reignty of heav'n, 

Her God, her Jove, seems all to her 1 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 325 

II. 

" But when the Thunderer retm-ns, 

And seeks his skies (so Homer sings), 
Soft flames th' impatient goddess burns ! 

She hastes to meet the King of kings : 
Swift as the light her chariot flies, 

Her swifter wishes fly before ; 
Still joyous in the middle-skies, 

She meets the cloud-compelUng pow'r. 

HI. 

" Prolific natm-e feels th' embrace, 

Superior blossoms, fruits and flow'rs, 
Spring up, — heav'n wears a brighter face, 

And fragrance in profusion show'rs. 
Celestial raptures who can tell ? 

Oui-s all divine! are only felt, 
What bold presumptuous strains shall swell, 

With transports which the gods can melt! 

IV. 

" Thus when thy warrior, though no god, 

Brings Freedoiri's standard o'er the main, 
Long absent from thy blest abode. 

Casts anchor in dear France again ; 
! thou more heavenly ! — far more kind 

Than Juno, as thy swain than Jove, 
With what heart's transport, raptur'd mind ! 

Shall ive approach on wmgs of love !" 

This is no unfavorable sample of Jones's poetical abilities. 
The sentiments are impressive, and in some degree sublime. 
Tlie thoughts are comprehensive, and correspond with the vigor 
of his general character. It is apparent, from the original 
manuscript, that the chevalier, in making love, was a tniant, 
adapting his rh}Tnes to situation and circumstances. The 
fourth line of the fourth stanza is varied, so as to answer either 
for France or America : Thus, 



326 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" Cast anchor in dear France again," 
Is changed to, 

" In fair Columbia moors again." 

This may be denominated the economy of versification. It 
is a trick probably often practised by more persons than Jones. 

Whatever may have been the devotion which Jones professed 
for the sex, it was obvious that ambition was the predominating 
passion in his breast, and that he even made his love affairs 
subservient to his desire of glory. The following letter to a 
lady at court, just before his departure for America, contains a 
mixture of respectful salutation, and a solicitation of female 
influence in his behalf: 

'T Orient, August 6th, 1780. 
«To aLady. 

" Madam, 
"I had the honor to write to you on the 14th ult., but have not yet 
had the satisfaction to receive any of your lettere since that time. This 
makes me fear you are now determined to punish me for my former 
silence ; yet I am frequently in doubt about this, as I hope you will show 
mercy when you know that I repent ? — I send this by a certain convey- 
ance ; and will hope for the honor of having a letter from you in return. 
Present, if you please, my best respects to the duke and duchess ; I shall 
ever entertain the most profound regard for that amiable princess, and be 
ambitious to merit the continuance of her friendship. I add my address 
at Philadelphia, and depend on frequent letters from you while I am in 
America. The coui't has a plan of mine respecting my future services to 
be asked of Congress by the court. I have the greatest desire to give the 
world farther proofs of my grateful zeal for the interests of the king, the 
government, and this generoixs-minded nation, by my actions against the 
common enemy of France and America. Will you, dear madam, honor 
me with your interest, that an application may be made by government to 
Congress, that I may henceforth, during the war, be employed in the most 
active and enterprising services. 

" I am ever, with the highest sentiments of esteem and respect, 
" Madam, 

" Yom- most obliffed and faithftd servant" 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 327 

A friend had written to the Chevalier, on the 30th of October, 
1779, on the occasion of that friend's marriage : 



" You have been reaping laurels, my friend, and I have been plucking 
roses ; but your occupation is as much more glorious than mine, as the 
welfare of a community is more important than the happiness of an indi- 
\'idual. I think, however, I have one advantage over you, for mine has 
not been the work of destruction, and I trust it will increase the species 
instead of diminishing them, and that you must allow is the ' cause of 
humanity/ P In short, I am a married man, and my wife will be happy 
to number you among her friends. I return to Nantes from St. Germain 
to-morrow morning, and as soon as I arrive I will write you on matters of 
business ; at present I can think of nothing of that kind. 

" Alas, poor Richard ! We ought not, however, to regret so honorable 
an exit. Thank heaven you are preserved, and may another poor Dick 
shine gloriously under your command. All Europe are praising you 
except England." 

The subjoined letter to the Duke de Chartres, afterward Duke 
of Orleans, is in good style : 

^^ Ariel, Groaix, September 22c?, 1780. 
" Has Royal Highness the Due de Chartres, 
" My Prince, 

" Two days since, Monsieur de Roberdeau delivered me the letter you 
did me the honor to write me from Paris the 1 8th of last month. It will, 
my Prince, always aftbrd me the truest pleasure, when in my powei", to 
conform to your wishes by rendering my best ser\'ices to any person whom 
you please to recommend to my attention ; and Captain de Roberdeau 
will, I hope, be satisfied with my conduct towards him. No man, my 
Prince, can be more ambitious to merit your esteem and protection than 
myself; for no man can admire and venerate you more as a gallant and 
good officer, or esteem you with a more heartfelt affection than, my prince, 

" Yom' most obliged, &c."' 

The following to Dr. John Read, of Virginia, is an excellent 
specimen of the expression of genuine friendship in an instance 
of pecuniary inability to comply with the request of a friend : — 



328 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" r Orient, November dih, 1780. 
« Dr. Read. 

" I have, my dear sir, to thank you for several favore lately received 
fi-oni you. I postponed my answer because I have been in daily expecta- 
tion of returning to America, but cannot, however, omit the opportunity 
of your brother to acquaint you that for these five years past military 
affairs have engaged my whole attention. I am as much a stranger to 
trade as if I had never been concerned in it. I have served as a volunteer 
in the American Revolution, and to this moment have neither received 
pay nor subsistence from the public. My property in the many prizes I 
took before I left America went through the hands of agents who did 
gi'eat injustice to the captors ; and it has since melted away by the depre- 
ciation of the Continental paper money. Gain has never been my object, 
and since I came to France hard blows and honor have been my sole 
income. Judge, therefore, my dear friend, if I am able to establish a loan 
for you — I could not do it for myself, because I want funds, and could not 
give the necessary security. If you are determined to enter into trade, I 
would advise you to buy bills of exchange on France from the Consul- 
General at Philadelphia. Send these bills to a good house here, with 
orders to ship the goods you propose in very small parcels by each of the 
fast-sailing vessels that come here from Philadelphia, Maryland, or Vir- 
ginia. Thus you will divide your risk, and have more neat profit than by 
being concerned in shipping and cargoes from America. These opinions 
I take from the best merchants here, therefore you can the better depend 
upon them. Present my best respects to Mrs. Read ; when I come to 
Virginia and have a moment to spare from my public duties, I will with 
gi*eat pleasure pay you a visit. Be assured it will ever give me happiness 
to be useful to you, when fortune puts in my power the means ; for I truly 
am, my dear friend, 

" Your most affectionate, &c." 



To General "Washington, in August, 1Y78, Jones wrote as fol- 
lows: 



^'P assy, Aug. 6tk, 1778. 

" His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the 
American Army, at his head-quartei-s. 

" Honored Sir, 

" As the scene of war by sea is now changed from America to Europe, 
I have been induced to give up the command of the American ship of 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 329 

war Ranger, and to continue for some time in Europe, in compliance with 
the request of the minister of the French marine, in a letter to our minis- 
ters plenipotentiary at the Court of Vereailles. 

" I will not intrude on your excellency's time even by attempting to pay 
you the respect which you so justh^ command. The intention of this letter 
is only to beg your acceptance of two epaulettes, with which it is accom- 
panied, and which my friend Mr. Williams, of Nantes, has undertaken to 
forward : I expected to have had the honor of delivering this little present 
into your own hands, but not having that satisfaction, if I can render you 
any acceptable services in France, I hope you will command me without 
reserve, being with sentiments of jjerfect esteem, 

" Honored Sir, yours, &c." 

The Chevalier's opinion of the qualifications requisite in a 
chaplain for his ship, is given in a letter to Mr. Grand : 

Extract of a letter to H. Grand. 

"Pass?/, July 12th, 1118. 

" In the selection of a chaplain, the following qualifications are deemed 
requisite. 

" I could wish him to be a man of reading and of letters, who under- 
stands, speaks, and wi-ites, the French and EngUsh with elegance and 
propriety : for pohtical reasons it would be well if he were a clergyman of 
the Protestant profession, whose sanctity of manners, and happy natural 
principles would diftuse unanimity and cheerfulness through the ship. 
And if to these essentials is added the talent of writing fast and in fair 
characters, such a man would necessarily be worthy the highest confidence, 
and might, therefore, assure himself of my esteem and fiiendship ; he 
should always have a place at my table, the regulation whereof would be 
entirely imder his direction.'' 

One of his letters to Madame de la Fayette is in these terms : 

''L' Orient, July 28th, lISO. 
" Madame la Marquise de la Fayette, a Paris. 
" Madam, 
" I am once more nearly ready for the sea. If I can in any respect 
render you acceptable sernces, you know I have so much esteem and 



330 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

respect for yourself, and so much affectionate friendship for your husband, 
that you will, I hope, command me freely. I expect to embrace the Mar- 
quis about the first of October, and it is not impossible — that we may 
return together to France. 

" Believe me, I am, with great sincerity and regard, 

" Madam, yom* most obedient, &c." 

To Madam the President de Ormoy lie wrote thus : 

"Ariel, Road of Groaix, Sept. 13, 1780. 
" Madame la Presidente de Ormoy, &c. 
" Madam, 

" I cannot leave France without expressing how much I feel myself 
honored and obliged by the generous attention that you have shown to 
my reputation in your Journal. I will ever have the most ardent desire 
to merit the spontaneous praise of beauty and her pen ; and it is impossi- 
ble to be more grateful than I am for the very polite attentions I lately 
received at Paris and Vei-sailles. My particular thanks are due to you, 
Madam, for the pereonal proofs I have received of your esteem and friend- 
ship, and for the happiness you procured me in the society of the charming 
Countess, and other ladies and gentlemen of your circle. But I have a 
favor to ask of you, Madam, which I hope you will grant me. You tell 
me in your letter, that the inkstand I had the honor to present you as a 
small token of my esteem, shall be reserved for the purpose of writing 
what concerns me. Now I wish you to see my idea in a more expanded 
light, and would have you make use of that inkstand to instruct man- 
kind, and support the dignity and rights of human nature. 

" I shall be happy in every part of the world to hear from you, and I 
beg leave to assure you, my best wishes will always attend you and youre ; 
being, vpith the highest esteem and respect, 

" Madam, your most obUged friend, &c.'' 



To the same lady he addressed another letter on the 16th of 
October, 1780. 

'T Orient, October 16, 1780. 

" Madame la Presidente de Ormoy, &c. 

" By the enclosed declaration of my officers you will see, my dear 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 331 

Madam, that I was in a ticklish situation in the moment while you were 
employed in writing to me the 9th. It is impossible to be more sensible 
than I am of the obligation conferred on me by your attentions and kind 
remembrance, joined to that of the belle countess, your fair daughters, and 
the amiable ladies and gentlemen of your society. I have returned with- 
out lam-els, and what is worse, without having been able to render service 
to the glorious cause of liberty. I know not why Neptune was in such 
anger, unless he thought it an affront in me to appear on his ocean with 
so insignificant a force. It is certain that till the night of the 8th I did 
not fully conceive the awful majesty of tempest and shipAvi'eck. I can give 
you no just idea of the tremendous scene that nature then presented; 
which surpassed the reach even of poetic foncy and the pencil. I believe 
no ship was ever before saved from an equal danger off the point of the 
Penmark rocks. I am extremely sorry that the young English lady you 
mention should have imbibed the national hatred against me. I have had 
proofs that many of the first and fairest ladies of that nation are my fi-iends. 
Indeed I cannot imagine why any fair lady should be ray enemy, since 
upon the large scale of universal philanthropy, I feel, acknowledge, and 
bend before the sovereign power of beauty. The English nation may hate 
me, but / will force them to esteem me too. You have heard, no doubt, 
that Captain Landais and all the officers of the Alliance have been laid 
under an arrest by order of Congi'ess, on their arrival in America, and the 
command of the Alliance was given to the brave Captain Barry. By tho 
latest advices, I have no enemies in that vast country. I shall be happy 
to hear from you, Madam, while I remain here, and I assure you I will 
embrace every occasion to prove my grateful attachment to this beloved 
nation, as well as to my friends in it. 

" I am, with the highest esteem and respect," &c. 



On the 12th of December following, he wrote again to the 
same lady : — 

''Ariel, L' Orient, Dec. 12th, ll80. 
" Madame la Presidente de Ormoy, &c. 
" To merit, dear Madam, the praise so warmly and well expressed in 
the letter you did me the honor to write me the 22d ult. would be my 
supreme ambition. If I have any merit, it consists in good will and pei-se- 
verance. My abihties are poor, and I want experience ; but opposition 
shall never cause my ardor to abate in pursuit of the glorious cause I have 
imdertaken to support. When I received your letter I was again ready 



332 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

for the sea, and have been waiting here with a fair wind ever since, 
expecting from hour to hour the arrival of Mr. Gourlade, Avho brings the 
public despatches from our minister for Congress. In this situation the 
boy you mentioned must have arrived here too late, otherwise I should, 
with great pleasure, have received him under ray protection. Mr. Gour- 
lade is, I hear, arrived at Nantes ; to-morrow, if he appeai-s here, I shall 
depart. I am much flattered by your having mentioned me to so great a 
man as the King of Prussia — the world will ever treat his opinion with 
the highest respect. It is impossible for me to express the happiness I 
derive from your good opinion, and how proud I shall ever be to be found 
worthy of your affectionate friendship. With these sentiments and the 
most profound respect, 

" I am, Madam, youre, &c." 



To the Countess of Bourbon, on the 21st of September, 1Y80, 
lie addressed himself in the following manner, in reply to one 
of her letters to him : — 

"Ariel, Road of Groaix, Sept. 21, 1Y80. 

" Madame la Comtesse de Bom-bon, &c. 
" Madam, 
" I was honored with the very polite letter that your Ladyship con- 
descended to write me the 5th of last month. I am sorry that you have 
found it necessaiy to refuse me the honor of accepting the deposit men- 
tioned in my last ; but am now determined to foUow your advice and be 
myself its guardian. A day or two before I wrote to you last I had 
received a challenge from Sir James Wallace, who in the Nonesuch, a ship 
of the line, copper bottomed and of superior swiftness, declared he waited 
in sight for my departure. Had I commanded an equal force I hope you 
will beheve I would have employed my time otherwise than in writing 
you any proposition for the safety of a weapon that I should have hoped 
to use immediately with success. I have been detained in this open road 
by contrary and stormy winds since the 4th of this month. There is this 
moment an appearance of a fair opportunity, and I will eagerly embrace 
it. I have received a letter from the first minister very favorable to the 
project I mentioned to you ; and you may depend on my utmost interest 
with Congi-ess to bring the matter to issue. I am sure that assembly will 
with pleasure say all yourself or the court could wish respecting the count, 
if my scheme is adopted. I have the satisfaction to inform you that by 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 333 

the testimony of all the persons just ai-rived in four ships at L'Orient 
from Philadelphia, the Congress and all America appeared to be warmly 
my friends ; and my heart, conscious of its own uprightness, tells me I 
shall be well received. Deeply and gratefully impressed with a sense of 
the obligation I owe to you and your husband's attentions and good 
wishes, and ardently desiring to merit your friendship, and the love of 
this nation, by my Avhole conduct through life, 

" I remain, Madam, your most obliged, &c. 

" N. B. — I will not fail to write whenever I have anything worth your 
reading, at the same time may I hope to be honored now and then with 
a letter from you, directed to Philadelphia ? I was selfish in begging you 
to write me in French, because your letters would serve me as an exercise. 
Your English is correct and even eleo-ant." 



To a Lady, whose letters lie had neglected to answer, he 
wrote as an apology thus : — 

''L'Orient, July \Uh, 1780. 
" Madam, 

" When one is conscious of having been in fault I believe it is the best 
way to confess it, and to promise amendment. This being my case with 
respect to you. Madam, I am too honest to attempt to excuse myself; and 
therefore cast myself at your feet, and beg your forgiveness on con- 
dition that I behave better hereafter. For shame, Paul Jones, how could 
you let the fairest lady in the world, after writing you two letters, wait so 
long for an answer ! Are you so much devoted to war, as to neglect wit 
and beauty ? I make myself a thousand such reproaches, and believe 
I punish myself as severely as you would do, Madam, were you present 
here. 

" The'truth is, I have been willing that the extraordinary events that 
have taken place here with respect to the frigate Alliance should be com- 
municated to you rather by othei"s, than by myself; for though, God 
knows, I have not been to blame for these events, yet I have felt rather 
ashamed that they should have happened : the more so as the cause has 
been rather of a delicate nature. I will mention it however to you. M. 
de Chaumont has, to this moment, unjustly retained from these poor 
people every sol, both of their wages and shares of prizes. And some 
envious persons found means to persuade them that I had concurred with 
him in these measures. Nothing can be more false, I despise his base 



334 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

conduct, and have not even spoken nor written to him on account of it : 
on the contrary, to procure for the men who had so bravely served under 
my command their just rights, was the only business that brought me to 
court in the month of May, If I had not at last been sent back here 
without the means of paying them, no difficulty would have happened. 
As it is I have the satisfaction to know that none of them have complained 
of any ill treatment from me. 

" I will write you often, and do everything in my power to convince you 
how much I wish to merit your friendship, and with how much respect, 
and how profound regard, I have the honor to be, 

" Yours, &c." 



The subjoined convivial and gallant Letter was written to tlie 
Marquis de JSTieuil : — 

"Dauphine Royale^ Brest, June 9th, 1778. 
" The Marquis de Nieuil, 

" Were I disposed to be affronted with you. Marquis, you have given 
me a fair opportunity ; but, fortunately for you, being at present 
under a cloud, I am not mounted on Pegasus, nor shall I be satirical in 
prose. 

" Since you have endeavored to prove by great force of reason and 
argument that you have made a bad bargain, I am determined to reahze 
your ' dream,' as a punishment for your breach of friendship, for you 
know there is no friendship in trade. I intend to dine with you every 
day if possible, and I will bring with me too father John, if I can, 
so that, as you will not save your wine, you have made a bad bargain 
indeed. 

" I thank you for your friendly caution to use the wine you have sent 
me with moderation. As I am to drink so much on board the Dauphine, 
and as I do not incline to drink in the morning, your advice shall have 
its due effect. Some of your champaign will, perhaps, be reserved to 
make glad the hearts of our American fair ; and I hope, on such occa- 
sions, to have so much ' remembrance ' left, as to propose the health of 
the giver. 

" I am, &c." 

In the following lines another metrical effusion of Jones is 
presented for perusal : — 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 335 

Verses lorltten on board the Alliance off Ushant^ the \st day of January^ 
1780, immediately after escaping out of the Texel^ from the Blockade 
of the British fleets ; being in answer t% a piece written and sent to 
the Texel by a young Lady at the Hague. 

I. 

" Were I, Paul Jones, dear maid, ' the King of sea, 
I find such merit in thy virgin song, 
A coral crown with bays I'd give to thee, 

A car which on the waves should smootMy ghde along : 
The Nereides all about thy side should wait, 
And gladly sing in triumph of thy state 
' Vivat, vivat, the happy virgin muse ! 
Of hberty the friend, who tyrant power pursues ! ' 

II. 

" Or, happier lot ! were fair Columbia free 

From British tyranny, — and youth still mine, 
I'd tell a tender tale to one hke thee 

With looks and breast as pure as hers — or thine ; 
If she approved my flame, distrust apart. 
Like faithful turtles, we'd have but one heart : 
Together then we'd tune the silver lyre. 
As love or sacred freedom should our lays inspire. 

III. 

" But since, alas ! the rage of war prevails. 
And cruel Britons desolate our land. 
For Freedom still I spread my wilB&g sails. 

My unsheath'd sword my country shall command. 
Go on, bright maid ! the muses all attend 
Genius like thine, and wish to be its friend. 
Trust me, although conveyed through this poor shift, 
My New-Year's thoughts are grateful for thy gift." 

A letter from a Captain O'Connelly to the Chevalier will 
divert the reader. It proves at once the popularity of Jones, 
and the embarrassment of the Captain, a worthy L'ishman, it is 
presumed, who was mistaken for him : 



336 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES 



''Rotterdam, December 11 th, 1119. 
" My Dear Commodore, 

" I am sincerely sorry I could not have the happiness of seeing you 
before setting off from the Helcler. Having but httle money to perform a 
long journey, obliged me to benefit of an occasion that oftered in the cheap 
way to Amsterdam. You'll easily conceive my reason for quitting, 
although I take nothing from the merit of Mr, Chamillard, yet, I thought 
myself too much ad\'anced in years to be under his orders, besides, I 
perceived proceedings that were not agreeable to me: and hope you don't 
take the step that I have taken amiss. Believe me, sir, that if I had the 
honor of being embarked with you, I would not quit you before the 
campaign was decided one way or the other. 

" If I have no other advantage by the cruise I have made, I am amply 
recompensed by being conducted by crowds of all ranks, through the 
streets in every town I come to in this country ; and can't dissuade them 
but I am the brave Paul Jones, but they will absolutely persist in their 
opinion, notwithstanding all the proofs I can allege to the contrary. 
When I show them my passport, they tell me I make use of a fictitious 
name, so that I suppose they will make me beheve at last I am you. 

" If in case you should come into France to arm for the next year, and 
that you should have occasion for one in my way, I beg you may let me 
know, and you may depend I -will join you on sight. You'll be sure of 
finding me by writing to Marquis de Braneas, Lieutenant General et 
Cordon blue in rue Tourneau, F. S. G. Paris. As I have some demands 
to make of the minister, and as Dr. Franklin could be of use to me on the 
occasion, you will greatly oblige me if you will be so kind as to solicit him 
in my favor, if you think you can do it without putting yourself under 
any obhgations to him ; for I would be voy sorry to think that on my 
account you should hurt your delicacy in the least. If otherwise, and that 
you should think me worthy your remembrance, I will always esteem it as 
the greatest favor as long as I have the honor of being your most devoted, 
humble, and obedient servant, 

" O'CONNELLY. 

" P.S. If you should honor me with a few lines, my address is au Caffee 
Conty, F. S. G. Paris. My sincere compliments, if you please, to your 
gentlemen in general." 

In the course of his correspondence with one of the most 
distingnislied citizens of America, who was at Paris in 1787, 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 337 

the clievalier unveiled a court secret. He was, at that time, in 
New York, and wrote under date of t^ 4th of September of 
that year : 

(Private.) ''New York, Sept. ith, 1787. 

" His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. 
"Sir, 

" I am much obliged to you for the letter from Madam T , which 

you forwarded by the June packet. I now take the liberty to enclose a 
letter for that worthy lady ; and as I had not the happiness to introduce 
you to her (because I wished her fortune to have been previously 
established), I shall now tell you, in confidence, that she is the daughter 
of the late K*** and of a lady of quality, on whom his M****** 
bestowed a very large fortune on her daughter's account. Unfortunately 
the father died while the daughter (his great favorite) was very young ; 
and the mother has never since shown her either justice or natural 
affection. She was long the silent victim of that injustice ; but I had the 
pleasure to be instrumental in putting her in a fair way to obtain redress. 
His present M****** received her last year with great kindness : he gave 
her afterward several particular audiences, and said he charged himself 
with her fortune. Some things were, as I have understood, fixed on, that 
depended solely on the K*** ; and he said he would dictate the justice 
to be )-endered by the mother. But the letter you sent me left the feeling 
author all in tears ! Her friend — her protectress — her introductress to 
the K^"'**, was suddenly dead ! She was in despair ! She lost more than 
a mother ! A loss, indeed, that nothing can repair ; for fortune and 
fa\or are never to be compared to tried friendship. I hope, however, she 
has gone to visit the K*** in July, agreeable to his appointment given 
her in the month of March. I am persuaded that he would i-eceive her 
with additional kindness, and that her loss would, in his mind, be a new 
claim to his protection ; especially as he well knows and has acknowledged 
her superior merit and just pretensions. As I feel the greatest concern 
for the situation of this worthy lady, you will render me a great favor by 
writing a note, requesting her to call on you, as you have something to 
communicate from me. When she comes, be so good as to deliver her 
the within letter, and show her this ; that she may see both my confidence 
in you and my advice to her. 

"I am, with the highest esteem, sir, yours," &c. 

The latter part of the life of the Chevalier Jones was spent 

22 



338 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

partly in Holland and partly in France. He died at Paris, of 
water in the chest, oj^ the 12th of Septemb er, 1792, and 
although a Calvinist, hTs funeral was attended by a deputation 
of the National Assembly, and an eloquent oration pronomiced 
over his tomb by M. Marron. 

The following is the last Will and Testament of the chevalier, 
accompanied with schedules of the property which belonged to 
him at the time of his death : — 



[translation.] 



EXEMPLIFICATION. 



TESTAMENT OF 

PAUL JONES. 
Juhj 18 th, 1102. 



" Before the underwritten Notaries at Paris, person- 
ally appeared Mr. John Paul Jones, citizen of the 
United States of America, now residing at Paris, and 
lodging- in Tourmon Street, at the house of M. 
D'Arbergue, tipstaff to the Tribunal of the Third 
Precinct, whom we found in a parlor on the first 
story above the entry, lighted by two windows looking on the said street, 
sitting in an easy chair, sick in body, but of sound mind, memory, judg- 
ment, and understanding, as appeared to us, the underwritten Notaries, by 
his discourse and conversation,-*-who, with a view to death, did make, 
speak, and dictate to the said underwritten Notaries his Testament, as 
follows, to wit : — 

" I give and bequeath all the property, moveable and immoveable, and 
other property generally whatsoever, which shall belong to me on the 
day of my decease, in whatever countries the same may be situate, to my 
two sisters, Jane, wife of William Taylor, and Mary, wife of Mr. Loudon, 
and to the children of my said sisters, to be divided into as many shai'es 
as my said sisters and their childi'en shall form individual persons, and the 
same to be enjoyed by them in the following manner, viz : — My sisters, 
and such of their children as shall have attained the age of twenty-one 
years, shall enjoy their respective shares in full and property from the day 
of my decease : As to such of my said nephews and nieces as, on the day 
of my decease, shall not have attained the age of twenty-one years, their 
mothere shall enjoy their respective shares until they shall have attained 
the said age, chai'ged with the board, maintenance, and education of the 
said children ; and as my said nephews and nieces shall respectively attain 
the age of twenty-one years, they shall enjoy their respective shares in full 
and absolute property. If one or more of my said nephews and nieces 
shall happen to die without issue, and before attaining the age of twenty- 




c c 

/^^ /^^^X J^^^i^ /^^ ^fjf^7<^ 



pliia, for two thousand dollars, at par, wiin great arreaictg«s ui mtcicor, 
being for 10 or 12 years. 



auu aosoiiae prupeny. ii one or more oi my saia nepnews and nieces 
sliall happen to die without issue, and before attaining the age of twenty- 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 339 

one yeare, tlie share of sucli of them as shall so have died, shall be 
divided between my said sisters and my other nephews and nieces, by 
equal portions. 

" I appoint the Honorable Robert Morris, Esq., of Philadelphia, my sole 
testamentary Executor. I revoke all other testaments and codicils which 
I may have made anterior to the present, in which alone I persist, as 
containing my last will.'' 

" It was thus done, spoken, and dictated by the said Testator to the 
said underwritten Notaries, and afterward to him by one of them, the 
other being present, read, and read again, which he declared well to 
understand and persist therein, at Paris, the eighteenth day of July, in 
the year one thousand seven hundi-ed and ninety-two, at five o'clock in 
the afternoon, in the apartment above described ; and the Testator has 
signed on the minute of these presents remaining with M. Pottier, one of 
the underwritten Notaries, in the margin of which is vnitten, Recorded at 
Paris, the twenty-fifth day of September, 1Y92, the first year of the 
RepubUc, in the sixth Office. Received one hundred livres, provisionally, 
the duty to be hereafter finally settled, on the declaration of the revenue 
of the Testator. 

" De France, 

" Barmier Pottler." 



" Philadelphia City and County, ss. 

" These are to certify, that the foregoing is a true copy from a transla- 
tion of a certain instrument of writing, written in the French language, 
filed and remaining in the Register's Office at Philadelphia. 

Given under the seal of office this tenth day of Novem- 
[Seal.] ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 

hundred and ninety-seven. 

" I. Wampole, D. Register. 



^^ Schedule of the Property of Admiral John Paul Jones, as stated by him 
to me, this 18th day of July, 1Y92. 

" 1. Bank Stock in the Bank of North America, at Philadelphia, six 
thousand dollars, with sundry dividends. 

" 2. Loan Office Certificate, left vpith my fiiend John Ross, of Philadel- 
phia, for two thousand dollars, at par, with great arrearages of interest, 
being for 10 or 12 years. 



340 LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 

" 3. Such balance as may be in tbe hands of my said fiiend John Ross, 
belonging to me, and sundry effects left in his care. 

" 4. My lands in the State of Vermont. 

" 5. Shares in the Ohio Company. 

" 6. Shares in the Indiana Company. 

"7. About £1800 sterling due to me fi'om Edward Bancroft, unless 
paid by him to Sir Robert Herries, and is then in his hands. 

" 8. Upwards of four yeai*s of my pension due from Denmark, to be 
asked from the Count de Bernstorff. 

" 9. An-earages of my pay from the Empress of Russia, and all my 
prize-money. 

" 10. The balance due to me by the United States of Ameiica, of sun- 
dry claims in Europe, which will appear" from my papers. 

" This is taken from his mouth. 

" GovERNEUR Morris. 



" This is to certify those whom it may concern, that the following papers 
and vouchers belonging to the estate of the late Commodore John Paul 
Jones, are left in my hands, when any of the property is recovered, or 
payment obtained, to be accounted for to his heirs, according to his last 
Will and Testament, agi'eeably to the copy left with me : 

" Major William Trent's deed for three hundred shares in the Indiana 
Company. 

"Robert Morris's note, at 12 months, for $3332 18, with interest at 6 
per cent., dated the 18th of July, 1797. 

"Robert Morris's note, at 2 years, for |3332 18, with interest at 6 per 
cent., dated the 18th of July, 1797. 

" Also, a certificate for 67 shares in the Pennsylvania Property Com- 
pany, deposited as a collateral security for the j^ayment of the two notes 
above mentioned. 

"Ten certificates, No. 2311 a 2320, for $300 each, dated the 10th of 
July, 1777, at 4 per cent, interest. Interest paid till 1781. 

" Two certificates, No. 598 and 599, for |400 each, at 6 per cent, inter- 
est, dated the 25th of June, 1779. 

"Two certificates. No. 685 and 686, for |400 each, at 6 per cent, int., 
dated the 18th of August, 1779. 

" One hundred and forty-seven old Continental dollare and lawful 
money. 

" Richard Piatt's receipt for five shares in the Ohio Company, for $5000 
in certificates, and $50 in specie. 



LIFE OF JOHN PAUL JONES. 341 

" Also, a number of letters, accounts, journals, log-books, &c., with, 
various other papers, are supposed to be of no value. 

" Robert Hyslop. 
"New-York, August 10th, 1797." 

" P. S. Likewise received at the same time, John G. Frazier's bill on 
WiUiam Frazier, Virginia, dated Bordeaux, the 29th of March, 1779, for 
£100, Virginia currency, at 10 days sight, to be paid in Loan Office cer- 
tificates, bearing interest from the 1st of November, 1777, which bill was 
presented the 30th of August, 1781, and refused. 

"Robert Hvslop." 



As every thing relating to the Eevolutionary period must be 
interesting to the American pubKc, and there being a mass of 
correspondence between the Chevalier Jones and a number of 
the most distinguished men of that daj, not included in the 
preceding life and character, we have thought that it would be 
historically useful to publish a part of them, in connexion with 
his life, by way of Appendix. 



APPENDIX. 



^^ Marine Office, Philadelphia, September 30th, 1Y84. 
" The Chevalier Paul Jones, Paris. 
" Sir, 

"I am to acknowledge the receipt of your several favoi-s of 26th of 
December, 13th of April, and 18th of June last. I have to reproach 
myself for not making an early reply to the first, but I was so much 
harassed when I received it, that I could not find an opportunity. After- 
ward I Uved in the daily expectation of making my personal acknowledg- 
ment, but since your stay in Europe has been delayed beyond either your 
expectation or mine, I now take the last opportunity which I shall ever 
have of expressing my sentiments officially upon the zeal, activity, forti- 
tude, and intelligence, which you have exhibited on so many occasions in 
the service of the United States. Accept, I pray you, sir, this last feeble 
testimony which I can give, and which, however unequal to yovu" deserts, 
is at least expressive of that respect and sincere esteem with which, 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" R. Morris." 

''Paris, February 21 th, 1786. 
** Mr. Paul Jones, Commodore in the Navy of the United States. 
" Sir, 
" I have received with much gratitude the mark of confidence which 
you have given me, and I have read with great eagerness and pleasure 
that interesting relation. 

" My first impression was to desire you to have it pubhshed, but after 
having read it, I perceive that you had not written it with a view to pub- 
lication, because there are things in it which are wiitten to the King, for 



344 APPENDIX. 

whom alone that work was intended. However, actions memorable as 
yours are, ought to be made known to the world by an authentic journal 
published in your own name. 

" I earnestly entreat you to work at it as soon as your affaii-s will allow 
you ; and in the meantime, I hope that the King will read this work with 
that attention which he owes to the relation of the services which have been 
rendered to him by a person so celebrated. 

" I beg you to be persuaded of the sincere attachment with which 

" I have the honor to be, &c. 

" Malesherbes." 



^^ Paris, January/ 1st, 1186. 
" His Most Christian Majesty Louis, King of France, &c. 
" Sire, 

" History gives the world no example of such generosity as that of your 
Majesty towards the young republic of America ; and I believe there never 
was a more flattering compliment shown by a sovereign to his allies, than 
when your Majesty determined to arm and support a squadron under the 
flag of the United States. 

" Words cannot express my sense of the preference I obtained when 
yoiu' Majesty deigned to make choice of me to command that squadron. 

" Your Majesty has as much reputation for knowledge and the desire of 
information, as you have for wisdom and justice ; but besides that consi- 
deration, I conceived it to be my duty to lay before your Majesty an account 
of my conduct as an officer, particularly from the date of the alliance be- 
tween your Majesty and the United States. As your Majesty understands 
English, I have perhaps judged ill by presenting extracts of my journal 
in French ; my motive was to give your Majesty as little trouble as pos- 
sible. 

" Accept, Sire, with indulgence, this confidential offering of my gi-atitude, 
which is an original written for your particular information. 

" It has been and wll be the ambition of my hfe to merit the singular 
honor conferred on me by your Majesty's Brevet, dated at Versailles, on 
the 28th of June, 1*780, which says, ' Sa Majeste voulant marquer au 
J. Paul Jones, Commodore de la marine des Etats Unis de 1' America, 
I'estime particuliere qu'elle fait de sa pereonne, pour les preuves de bravoure 
et d'intrepidite qu'il a donnees et qui sont connues de sa Majeste, elle a 
juge a propos de I'associer a I'institution du Merite mihtalre,' &c. 

" The Congi-ess of the United States has, with great justice, styled your 
Majesty ' The protector of the rights of human nature.' 

" With the order of military merit your Majesty conferred on me a gold 



APPENDIX, 



845 



sword — an honor which I presume no other officer has received ; and * the 
protector of the rights of human nature' will always find me ready to draw 
that sword and expose my life for his service. 
" I am, Sire, with the truest gratitude, 

" Your Majesty's most obliged and devoted servant, 

" Paul Jones." 

" Protector of fair freedom's rights, 

Louis, thy virtues please thy God ! 
The good man in thy praise delights. 

And tyrants tremble at thy nod. 
Thy people's father, loved so well. 

May time respect ! When thou art gone 
May each new year of history tell, 

Thy sons with lustre fill thy throne. 

For the purpose of perpetuating the names and rank of the American 
naval heroes of the Revolutionary War, the following authentic hst of the 
commission officers is inserted in this work : 



CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS. 



WHEN APPOINTED. 



December 22, 1775. 



April 17, 

u u 

June 6, 



15 



1776. 



August 13, 



Ezelaf'I' Hopkins, 
Dudley Saltonstall, 
Abraham AVhipple, 
Nicholas Biddle, 
John B. Hopkins, 
William Manley, 
Isaac Cozneau, 
Thomas Thompson, 
Samuel Tompkins, 
Christopher Miller, 
John Barry, 
Thomas Read, 
Charles Alexander, 
James Nicholson, 
Hector M'Niel, 
Thomas Grennall, 
Elisha Hinman, 



TO WHAT VESSEL. GUNS. 

Alfred, 30 

Trumbull, 28 

Columbus, 28 

Ajidrew Doria, 16 
Sebastian Cabot, 14 
Hancock, 32 



Raleigh, 



32 



Effingham, 
Washington, 


28 
32 


Delaware, 


24 


Virginia, 
Boston, 


28 
24 


Congress, 


28 


Alfred, 


30 



34 


6 






APPENDIX. 






WHEN 


APPOINTED. 


NAMES. 


rO WHAT VESSEL. 


GUNS. 


August 22, 


1776. 


Jobn Hodge, 


Montgomery, 


24 


(i u 


u 


John Manley, 






October 10, 


u 


Lambert Wickes, 


Reprisal, 


16 








(( 


William Hallock, 












u 


Hoysted Hacker, 












(( 


Isaiah Robinson, 












(C 


John Paul Jones, 


Providence, 


12 








u 


James Josiah, 












<( 


Joseph Olney, 


Cabot, 


14 








a 


James Robertson, 


Sachem, 


10 








u 


John Young, 


Independence, 


10 








<( 


Ehsha Warner, 












u 


Lieut. Com. I. Baldwin, 












(( 


Thomas Albertson, 


Musquito, 


4 


February- 


5, 


1777. 


Henry Johnson, 






March 15 


> 


u 


Daniel Waters, 






u 




u 


Samuel Tucker, 






May 1, 




1778. 


William Burke, 






June 18, 




u 


Peter Landais, 






Septembe 


r 25, 


u 


Seth Harding, 






a 


17, 


1779. 


Silas Talbot, 






u 




(( 


Samuel Nicholson, 






11 




u 


John Nicholson, 






(( 




a 


Henry Skinner, 






(( 




« 


Benjamin Dunn, 






(( 




(( 


Samuel Chew. 














LIEUTENANTS. 







December 22, 1775. John Paul Jones, 
« " " Rhodes Arnold, 
« •' « Stansbmy, 



" Hoysted Hacker, 

" Jonathan Pitcher, 

" Benjamin Seabmy, 

" Joseph Olney, 

" Elisha Warner, 

" Thomas Weaver, 

« M'Dougall, 

" John Fanning, 



Fii-st, 



Second, 



Third, 







APPENDIX. 




December 22, 


1YY5. 


Ezekiel Burroughs, 


THrd, 


(( u 


(( 


Daniel Vaughan, 


(( 


June 6, 


1116. 


Israel Turner, 


First, 


(( u 


u 


Joseph Doble, 


Second, 


U (( 


(( 


Mark Dennett, 


Thh-d, 


July 22, 


(( 


Peter Shores, 


u 


(( a 


(( 


John Wheelright, 


(( 


(( (( 


u 


Josiah Shackford, 


(( 


August 17, 


<( 


William Barnes, 


Fu-st, 


(( (( 


(C 


Thomas Vaughan, 


Third, 


« 22, 


(( 


Jonathan Maltby, 


Fii-st, 


(( (( 


(( 


David Phipps, 


Second, 


(( li 


u 


Wilson, 


First, 


u a . 


(( 


John Nicholson, 


Second, 


February 5, 


1111. 


Ehjah Bo wen. 


First, 


August 6, 


a 


John Rodeg, 


Second, 


« 12, 


u 


William MoUeston, 


Third, 


July 20, 


u 


Richard Dale, 


u 


(( » 


(( 


Alexander Murray, 


u 


(< (( 


u 


Plunkett, 


u 


(( a 


u 


Joshua Barney, 


u 


(( (t 


(( 


Isaac Buck, 


u 


<( (( 


u 


John Stephens, 


it 


(( (( 


(( 


Aquilla Johns. 


u 



347 



CHAEACTEE 



COMMODORE JOHN PAUL JONES. 



The incidents in the life of the ChevaUer John Tavl Jones, as far as the 
papere in the possession of the author, and information from respectable 
sources -will explain and estabhsh them, have been faithfully recited in the 
preceding pages. It only remains to di'aw from them the features of his 
character. 

It appears to the wi'iter of this volume that there is a prevalent mistake 
in estimating the merits of singular or extraordinary men. They are 
measm-ed by a standard somewhat Uke that of Procrustes, to coiTespond 
with which, those who were too long w^ere cut shorter, and those who were 
too short were stretched to a greater length. If an indindual who has 
distinguished himself in literature, in science, in the arts, in the affairs of 
state, or in arms, does not exhibit all the virtues of which human nature 
in its varieties is capable, he is pronounced defective, and condemned 
accordingly. On the contrary, where the partiality of friendship or 
admiration would make a character, and the materials are inadequate to 
the structure, the indindual is raised beyond his level by praises for 
frivolous qualifications, which, as they relate to human actions, are utterly 
insignificant. 

The memory of the Chevalier John Paul Jones does not reqmre any 
thing more, to ensure its perpetuation, than a just representation of his 



360 APPENDIX. 

acWevements. There was nothing artificial about him : everything was 
natural ; and whether he was addressing himself to Congi-ess, to kings, 
nobles, or citizens, he uniformly manifested the same frankness of disposi- 
tion and resolution of purpose. We do not expect to find absolute 
perfection in him or in any other man. The temperament which belonged 
to him, the spirit of adventure by which he was impelled, his careless 
indifference to the accumulation of wealth, precisely in the proportion that 
they existed in him, were indispensable to form John Paul Jones. 
Every being acts agreeably to the constitution of its nature ; and it 
would be just as absurd to look for a contemplative philosopher in the 
bustle of business, or a daring naval commander in the ordinary pursuits 
of civil life, as to seek for a gently purling stream in the crater of a 
volcano. 

Of the birth, parentage, education, first associations, and early avoca- 
tions of Jones, but little is known. That his rise in the world, whatever 
of fortune he had acquired, and knowledge he had obtained, were princi- 
pally owing to his own personal apphcation and exertions, is apparent. 
That he was no no\ace when he entered the American service, is equally 
manifest. That he understood the method of advancing his o^Yl\ interests, 
is also evident. But there is this distinguishing trait in his character, 
which at once places him in the class of great men — his schemes for 
preferment were always founded upon considerations of accruing national 
benefits. Thus, when he insisted on his seniority of rank in the United 
States from the date of his original commission, he claimed it as well from 
his efficiency as an officer as from that circumstance. When, in France, 
he requested an independent command, he urged it upon the ground of 
his capacity for rendering more essential services than others to the 
common cause, and appealed to facts which no one could deny. And in 
Russia, where his nautical skill was so conspicuous, and his gallant beha- 
vior against the Turks so beneficial to the empress, he merely sought for 
the reward to which his conduct entitled him. 

Although not peculiarly trained to the usages of courts, he was obviously 
a courtier in no small degree ; for at Paris and Versailles he commonly 
carried his points against the intrigues of disciphned intriguers. He 
baffled the petty artifices of his rivals more by his energy, and the utility 



APPENDIX. 351 

of his plans, than by finesse and cunning. He had, nevertheless, a native 
shrewdness wliich was not easily foiled. The vivacity of his temper did 
not qualify him for prolonged negotiations ; for, in his correspondence, as 
well as in combat, he was eager to grapple with his adversary, and to 
bring the question at issue to a termination as speedily as possible. He 
was impatient when out of employment ; and notwithstanding that he 
was, in his moments of leisure, disposed to be convivial, and occasionally 
indulged in the pleasures of society, it was more to relieve himself from 
the uneasiness of lassitude than from any positive inch nation to prodigality 
or dissipation. The same activity of mind that incessantly urged him to 
seek for new enterprises, made him restless in port, led him to the social 
board, or the society of the fair sex. Fruitful in expedients, he was never 
at a loss for a fresh project in which his talents might shine. Returning 
fi'om the Bahamas, he wrote to his friends in Congi-ess, pressing them to 
confide to him some new expedition ; when in France, his various propo- 
sitions to the Minister of the Marine, showed the fertility of his genius ; at 
the close of the war of the American revolution, he soon found occupation 
in the fleet of Catharine; and when that scene closed upon him, he had 
his eye fixed on an adventure against the Algerines. He was, emphatic- 
ally, a man of action ; and, fond of writing, he was indefatigable in 
recording not only his deeds but his sentiments. He seemed to abhor 
indolence ; and every hour that was not strictly devoted to the acquisition 
of glory, appeared to make him unhappy. 

There is reason to believe, from the fi-equent altercations in which Jones 
was engaged, that he was fond of supreme command, and that he did 
not bear with the best gTace the dictates of a superior, or even the advice 
of an equal. His weakness was that of selfishness in all that relates to 
pereonal fame. But who, in this respect, is not selfish? Sincere in 
friendship and intense in animosity, his feelings were expressed in strong 
and unequivocal terms. These, gaining currency, were seized upon to his 
disadvantage ; and his enemies, Avho could not dispute his bravery, 
continually thwarted his purposes, by representing him as a person better 
qualified for the command of single ships than of squadrons — better suited 
to execute than to direct an enterprise. The difficulties which he had to 



352 APPENDIX. 

encounter with regard to prize-money, embroiled him with M. le Ray de 
Chaumont, who had been his friend and patron, and with whom he had 
been upon the most intimate terms. This unhappy difference arose chiefly 
from the different views which the parties took of the same transactions, 
and was probably precipitated and continued by the impetuosity of Jones. 
The chevaher was hurt at the equality which the " Concordat " prescribed 
between himself and the other captains in the squadron whose cruize 
terminated in the capture of the Serapis. That equaUty wounded the 
sensibility of Jones, and interfered with his predominating passion for 
renown. It is known to the author, from a letter dictated by Dr. Franklin 
from a bed of sickness, dated at Philadelphia, in November, 1789, to the 
elder M. le Ray de Chaumont, that he did not regard the latter in the 
same unfavorable Hght that Jones did. In that letter, after the close of 
the revolutionary war. Dr. Franklin speaks to his old acquaintance as the 
friend of America ; a language which he undoubtedly would not have 
held had M. le Ray de Chaumont been guilty of any thing improper 
concerning the prize-money alluded to, or of anything dishonest touching 
the American cause. It has been verified to the author in a manner which 
leaves no room for doubt, that M. le Ray de Chaumont, until the time of 
his death, entertained for the Chevaher John Paul Jones the most sincere 
esteem, duly valuing his great faculties, but perceiving likewise the imper- 
fections of his temper, and his unbounded thirst for glory, which sometimes 
misled his judgment. 

Had Jones been born within the limits of the United American 
Colonies, or been a native of Fi-ance, he would perhaps have risen to a 
greater height of authority than he did in either country. He would not 
have arrived at greater honors ; and the command of the America, 74, 
which was assigned to him by the unanimous vote of Congress, was 
probably as high a distinction as any that an American naval officer could 
at that time have aspired to : Indeed, it is one of the highest naval trusts 
in the gift of the government of the United States at this time. 

Jones displayed his ruling passion in other instances than those of a 
warlike character. He had his bust taken, and distributed casts of it to a 
number of American gentlemen of high standing ; and especially to 



APPENDIX. 353 

General Washington, John Jay, General Irvine, General St. Clair, Mr. 
Ross, Mr. Thomson, Secretary of Congress, Colonel Wadsworth, James 
Madison, and Colonel Carrington. The busts were made by M. Houdan, 
of Paris. In the medal voted to him by the Congress he was also very 
particular. In giving directions for its execution he declared that he 
would have none struck but in gold. 

The influence of Jones's achievements in Europe was very considerable. 
His firmness whilst lying in the Texel, the ability with which he conducted 
himself in that critical situation, and the impression which his capture of 
the Serapis had made, had an effect on the deliberation of the States 
General of Holland, and hastened their resolutions in favor of the 
independence of the United States of America. 

Wliilst in the command of a squadron in Europe, Jones had 
treated the Danish flag with much respect. When he visited Copen- 
hagen this courtesy was recollected ; and the court of Denmark 
subsequently granted him a yearly pension of fifteen hundred rix-dollai's. 
At fii'st he did not touch this stipend, but his afiairs falling into 
some embarrassment, he accepted it ; not, however, without the 
privity, and, it is presumed, the assent of his own government. Had 
his aftairs been in a more prosperous train, he would in all probabihty 
never have applied for it. 

In his letters to Lady Selkirk will be perceived the generous delicacy 
of a noble mind. He could not restrain the cuj^idity of his men ; but he 
did what it remained in his power to do : he restored the plundered plate 
at the expense of his private purse. Alexander the Great himself never 
performed a more hberal action. 

On the whole, the Chevalier John Paul Jones was a man of strong 
natural faculties ; of a good English education ; of an ardent temperament ; 
of a quick penetration ; of a firm and daring courage ; with an inclination 
to hterature, an extraordinary ambition, a restless activity of soul, an 
indifference for money, a heart that felt for the distress of his fellow 
creatures, a spirit that would neither give nor brook an insult, and a 
philanthropy co-extensive with the globe. He delighted in being 
considered an American citizen, but was still more pleased with being 

23 



354 APPENDIX. 

known as the friend of the human race, and as the enemy of its 
oppressors. 

" Glory ! Immortal glory, was his goal, 
On which he fix'd his fond unerring eye ; — 
It nerv'd his arm ; it warm'd liis inmost soul ; 
It taught him how to live, and how to die." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



COMMOnOKE EICHAKD DALE 



Commodore Dale having been mentioned in tlie couree of the foregoing 
life of the Chevalier Paul Jones, a brief biogi'aphical sketch of that respect- 
able officer may be satisfactory to the reader. 

He was born on the Western Branch, four or five miles from Noifolk, 
Vii'ginia. He Avent to sea when he was between twelve and thirteen 
years of age, and served his time in the employment of Thomas Newton, 
a respectable merchant of Norfolk. In the autumn of 1775 he was the 
mate of a brig belonging to Col. Newton, and arrived at Norfolk, where a 
British ship of wai- was lying, and things very unsettled. He pro- 
ceeded with the brig up James River, to City Point. In March, 1776, 
Captain Barrett, the commander of the brig, was engaged in the Virginia 
state service, and Commodore Dale was sent down the river by him to 
Sandy Point, in a small schooner, for some guns, and was captured by a 
Biitish tender and taken to Norfolk. In July he entered as a midshipman 
on board the United States brig Lexington, Captain Barry. In October 
he sailed in that brig as master's mate, from Philadelphia to Cape Fran- 
cois. On his retm"n, towards the end of December, Commodore Dale was 
captm'ed by the British frigate Liverpool, off the Capes of Virginia. The 
wind was strong and the sea high at the time, so that the enemy could 
take only seven of the officers out. The remaining officei-s and crew 



356 APPENDIX. 

retook the brig the following night, and carried her to Baltimore. On the 
1st of January, 1777, he was landed on Cape Henlopen, made the best 
of his way to Philadelphia, and Avas ordered by the Navy Department at 
Baltimore. From thence he sailed in March for Bordeaux, in the brig- 
Lexington, Henry Johnston commander, and from Bordeaux to Nantes, to 
join Captain Wicks in the ship Reprisal, and Captain Samuel Nicholson 
in a cutter. He sailed on a cruise from that place in May or June to the 
Bay of Biscay, the English and Irish channels, and was chased into Mor- 
laix, where he remained for some time. He sailed fi'om that port about 
the l7th or 18th of September, bound for the United States, and the next 
morning fell in with a British cutter. After an action of four hours, the 
ammunition having all been expended, the vessel struck, and Commodore 
Dale was carried into Mill prison. He made his escape in February fol- 
lowing, arrived at London, was retaken, and sent back to prison. In 
February, 1779, he made his escape a second time, went up to London, 
thence to Dover, to Calais, to Paris, to Nantes, and to L'Orient, where he 
joined Commodore Jones, in the Bon homme Richard, as master's mate. 
Before the sailing of that ship, Jones made him his fii-st lieutenant. Com- 
modore Dale's account of the battle with the Serapis will be found in the 
preceding narrative. He returned, about the age of 22 years and 6 
months, with Jones in the Ariel to Philadelphia, where he entered on 
board the Trumbull of 28 guns. Captain James Nicholson, and was taken 
off the Capes of Delaware by two British ships of war, and carried into 
New York, in August, 1781. He was exchanged in the succeeding 
November. 

When, under the present Constitution of the United States, the naval 
estabhshment was commenced, Commodore Dale was honorably remem- 
bered. He was appointed a captain on the 11th of May, 1798, to take 
rank fi'om the 4th of June, 1794. In May, 1798, the command of the 
sloop of war Ganges, of 24 guns, was given to him, with orders to cruise 
between the Capes of Virginia and Long Island, so as to afford the best 
protection in his power to our jurisdictional rights, and to all vessels of the 
United States coming in or going off the coast, against French cruisers. 
On the 1st of February, 1779, he went to the East Indies on fm-lough. — 
On the 28 th of April, 1801, he was apjoointed to the command of the 



APPENDIX. 357 

Amencan squadron in the Mediterranean, to j^rotect our commerce from 
the attacks of the Regencies of Algiei-s, Tunis, and Tripoh. He resigned 
his commission on the iVth of December, 1802, and now resides in Phila- 
delphia, in the bosom of an amiable family, respected and beloved bj" a 
numerous circle of relations, friends, and acquaintances, enjoying the fruits of 
his manly and patriotic exertions in the cause of American Independence. 
The following attestation of character, by the Chevalier John Paul Jones, 
speaks impressively in favor of the gallant, intrepid, and worthy veteran, 
Dale: 

Commodore J. Paxil Jones's letter of recommendation and certificate of 
merit for Lieutenant Richard Dale, dated July I8th, 1781. 

" The bearer hereof, Mv. Richard Dale, having served as a master's mate 
in the continental brigantine Lexington, and escaped from an English 
prison long after that brigantine was taken in the European seas, was 
employed by me in France in the spring of 1779, on board the continental 
ship of war Bon homme Richard, as a master's mate. In the summer of 
that year I promoted him to the station of lieutenant, and gave him a 
commission. He was with me as lieutenant in that ship on a cruise in 
the Bay of Biscay, and on the expedition from France round the west of 
Ireland, by the north, to the Texel. He afterward was with me as a 
heutenant in the Alliance from the Texel to Spain and back to France, 
and from France he came with me as lieutenant in the Ariel to this city. 
In the action between the Bon homme Richard and the Serapis, he com- 
manded the fore part of the battery of 12-pounders, and did his utmost 
till it was silenced by the fire of the Serapis, the Countess of Scarborough, 
and the Alliance. He afterMfftrd did his best to assist at the pumps and 
other places, showing a firmness and military spirit which does him the 
highest honor, and for which he has my particular thanks. When the 
Ariel was dismounted he showed no less firmness, and in the action 
between the Aj-iel and Triumph, did his duty with great spirit. Mr. Dale 
is included in the vote of thanks with which I have been honored by the 
United States in Congress assembled, since my return from Europe, and 
will, I am sure, always approve himself a good man and deserving officer. 
Given under my hand and seal at Philadelphia this 1 8th day of July, 1781." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



LIEUTENANT ELIJAH HALL. 



Having given a brief outline of the character of Commodore Dale, it 
would be injustice to omit a due notice of another brave and meritorious 
officer, who served with the Chevalier John Paul Jones. We allude to 
Elijah Hall, who was a lieutenant under the Chevaher in the Ranger. 

Lieut. Hall had entered on board this vessel at Portsmouth, New 
Hampshire, before her departure for France, and was in her with Jones in 
his cruise on the coasts of Scotland and Ireland, in the descent on "White- 
haven, and in the battle with the Drake. When Simpson behaved so 
badly as to disobey orders, it was Hall that was selected to arrest him, 
and to command the Drake in his stead. The prominent traits of Lieut. 

Hall's character were promptitude and energy ; of which he gave a 

« 
remarkable instance in repairing the Drake in the course of one night 

with the assistance of forty men, after Simjjson had pronounced it impos- 
sible in her then shattered condition. 

Lieutenant Hall went to Brest with Jones ; and when, through the 
benevolence of the latter, Simpson was put in command of the Ranger for 
the pui-pose of returning to America, Hall occupied the post of first 
heutenant. After his return to the United States, he was engaged in 
several expeditions against the enemy, on board the same ship with 
Commodore Whipple, and was very successful in making captures, most 
of which ai-rived safely in port. When the America, 74, was assigned to 



APPENDIX. 359 

Jones, he offered Lieut. Hall a very honorable and efficient station in her ; 
but the gift of that vessel to France frustrated his good intentions. Lieut. 
Hall eventually proceeded in the Ranger, with other ships-of-war, to assist 
in the defence of Charleston, South Carohna, where he fell into the hands 
of the enemy, in common with the garrison, by capitulation. He 
returned to New Hampshire, but was not exchanged until a general sur- 
render of prisoners. He never resigned his commission, and was always 
ready for active service. At the close of the war of the revolution he 
engaged in commercial pursuits, by which he enriched himself; but 
suffered considerably by the British ordei-s in council and the French 
Berlin and Milan decrees. Although offered a pension by government, he 
would not receive it ; but accepted the appointment of naval officer for 
Portsmouth, a situation which he still retains at the advanced age of 83. 
With the snow of so many winters upon his head, he discharged his 
duty, it is underetood, with the greatest satisfaction to the merchants and 
others, affording proof of an uncommon vigor of constitution and strength 
of intellect. Faithful to his country and true to his duty in eveiy situa- 
tion, there can be no doubt that a consciousness of probity has ensured 
for him that intellectual tranquillity, which is so favorable to human life. 

Li closing the foregoing sketch of the Life of Mr. Hall, the author will 
remark, to show the true patriotism that ever filled the inmost soul of this 
late gallant naval officer, that after the passage of the act of Congi-ess, 
placing the officei"s of the revolution on the pension list, Mr. Hall politely 
refused to have his name entered as a pensioner : observing that, in 
defending his countiy, and assisting in giving her independence, he was 
doing but his duty as an American officer, feeling content in having the 
approbation of his heroic commander Paul Jones, endorsed by his coimtry, 
which would be left as a legacy to his children, and for more valuable than 
a pension certificate. 



PAUL JONES TO COL. SHERBURNE. 

The following letter from Paul Jones to his friend, Colonel Sherburne, 
late Judge of the Admh-alty Court of New Hampshire (the father of the 



360 APPENDIX. 

author), shows that Jones was schooled in the fashionable circles of 
etiquette as well as in the well known school of discipline in the navy, so 
highly necessary on board a man-of-war, and to which may be attributed 
the many signal triumphs in battling with the British commanders on the 
ocean, and carrying in triumph the flag of indejjendence which he was 
never known to strike, while, like a meteor, he dashed over the seas in 
quest of new victories over a proud and cruel enemy. 

The letter will also do away the folse impression that Jones was dis- 
tressed in his pecuniary means after the peace with England in 1783. 
The Mrs. Langdon mentioned was the aunt of the author and wife of the 
late Governor John Langdon, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, who was 
the Navy Agent during the Revolutionary war at Portsmouth, where was 
built and fitted for a cruize the sloop-of-war Ranger, of 20 guns, com- 
manded by Paul Jones, — which ship captured in the Irish Channel, off 
Carrickfergus, the British ship-of-war Drake, of 22 guns, and sent her as 
a prize into Brest under command of Lieut. Elijah Hall (father-in-law of 
the author), a biographical sketch of whose life is published in this 
work 

'■'■Bernam, Penn^a, August 21st, I'JSS. 

" Dear Colonel, 

" You did me the honor to write me a very handsome letter after your 
arrival in France, which claims my thanks both as a mark of your atten- 
tion, and on account of the polite compliments it pays my endeavours as 
an officer. My wishes would have impelled me to for greater exertions, 
but my projects were constantly cramped for want of means. It is now 
peace, and, I hope, I may have occasion to learn war no more. I was in 
hopes you would have brought me some letters. I persuade myself, that 
if some of my Parisian friends had known of the opportunity, they would 
have embraced it. I shall be glad to hear from you at Philadelphia, 
where I expect to find myself about the latter end of this month. I am 
here for the recovery of my health, which has been in a bad state ever 
since my return from South America. 

" You ■svill obhge me with the history of your travels in the great 
world at Paris, as well as in the agreeable world at Portsmouth. You 
will please to make my respectful compliments to your sister, Mrs. Lang- 
don, and to any other of the fair ladies to whom you have reason to 



APPENDIX. 361 

think they will be acceptable ; of wldch^ dear Colonel^ you are to render 
an account. 

" I am, dear Sir, 

" Your most obedient and most humble sevant, 

" John Paul Jones." 

Col. John S. Sherburne, \ 

Portsmouth, V 

New Hampshire. ) 

" P. S. — Perhaps I may visit Portsmouth this fall. In the mean time, 
do you know of any advantageous scheme where three or four thousand 
pounds sterling might be employed ? " 



PAUL JONES'S PILLAGE OF SELKIEK CASTLE, 

ST. mart's isle, in 1778 ; 
For ivhich he was hranded a Pirate hy England. 

The author will refer the reader to page 50 in this work, to an 
unanswerable, polite, and most feehng letter fi-om Commodore Paul Jones, 
commanding the U. S. sloop of war Ranger of 20 guns, dated May 8th, 
1778, on board his -victorious ship, the day following his capture of the 
British ship of war Drake, after a long and bloody engagement, yard-arm 
and yard-arm, off Carrickfergus, Ireland, in which is fully and most feel- 
ingly explained the reason of his ^^sit to St. Mary's Isle, the taking of the 
plate^ &c., and its intended restitution on his arrival at Brest ; all of which 
will be seen in the correspondence on the subject ; — Jones most strictly 
complied with his promise to the very letter. For this, this gallant naval 
officer was branded a '■'■freebooter,^' ^^ pirate,'^ &c., by England, echoed by 
Europe, and re-echoed by his enemies in America. This vile censorious 
stigma rested on the hero's name until he had lain quietly in his grave for 
thirty-three years, not even his own relations would own him as a relation 
in Scotland, or in South Carolina, until the author published an authentic 
history of the life and character of Paul Jones, under the supervisement 
of the late Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy, assisted by the 
late ex-presidents Thomas Jefferson, Mr. Madison, and John Quincy 



362 APPENDIX. 

Adams, also the Marquis La Fayette, as mil be seen in this work from 
their correspondence with the author. And notwithstanding the copy- 
right was purchased for publication in London, from the Author, by 
John Murray, of Albemarle street, through his bankei-s, Baring, Brothers, 
& Co., thus placing the character of Paul Jones on an equal, if not a 
superior footing with many of the British admirals, yet still his name was 
stigmatized in England whenever it happened to be named, and for the 
sole cause Britain never can forgive Jones for bearding the " Zio/i" in his 
lair, capturing their crack frigates single handed, dashing through her 
proud, hitherto invincible fleets, taking their most valuable merchant ships 
in sight of their harboi-s, landing and spiking the guns in their forts, 
carrying off prisoners to exchange for American seamen who were dying 
in British prisons, and causing alarm throughout the coasts of England, 
L-eland, and Scotland, which cost millions of gold to defend against the 
small American squadron of Paul Jones, whom they stigmatized the jn^ate, 
although under the protection of the American flag which he first hoisted, 
but never disgraced by striking it to a foe. The whole history of the 
landing at St. Mary's Isle, the taking of the plate from Selkirk Castle, was 
given verbaUy to the author by the late Elijah Hall, of Portsmouth, New 
Hampshu'e (father-in-law to the author), and one of the lieutenants who 
landed at the Isle, and superintended the packing of the plate to convey 
on board the Ranger, every article of which (as will be seen in the corre- 
spondence page 50) was returned in the same good order a few months 
subsequent to its being carried from the castle, and duly, politely 
acknowledged by the Earl of Selkhk, with many thanks to Captain John 
Paul Jones, of the American Navy, — not Paul Jones the Pirate. 

Commodore John Paul Jones on the ocean, during the American 
revolution, was, as General Washington on the land, never known to be 
defeated in battle, and neither ever receiving a wound, seemingly under 
the protection of Providence in America's struggle for independence. 

The following is a copy of lettei-s of administration taken out by the 
author for the purpose of examining the accounts of Paul Jones at the 
Treasury of the United States, to see if his heirs had any demand on the 
government ; the result was, that no demand could be made, as the books 
and accounts at the treasury show conclusive evidence, that previous to 



APPENDIX. 363 

Paul Jones's departure for Europe, after the peace of 1783, he had, in 
person, settled his accounts at the Treasury, and received in full all and 
every just demand for pay, rations, &c., since he entered the navy in 
1776, likewise a\\ 2ifize-moiiei/ due, as he paid himself while in France, as 
will be seen by page 276 in this work. The prizes sent into Bergen, in 
Norway, in 1799, as per insurance in London, to £50,000 sterling, is still 
due from Denmark, as will be seen by the joint resolution of Congress in 
appendix of this work, passed and approved July, 1848, in which all the 
officei-s, seamen, and marines who served imder Paul Jones, , in 1779, are 
entitled to a share of this money according to their relative rank, or their 
heirs and assigns when it shall be received from Denmark, except the sole 
heir of Paul Jones and heii-s of Captain Landais, who have received their 
full share of the above amount from the U. S. Treasury, per acts of Con- 
gress, as will be seen in this work. Paul Jones's heirs are all dead but 
one, — Miss Lowden, a grand-niece, and daughter of the late John Lowden, 
merchant of Charleston, S. C, who w^as a nephew of Paul Jones. The 
author, to be positive as regards the heirs, made fiiU enquiry on his late 
tour in Scotland, and issued a public notice through the press in Scotland, 
notifjdng all concerned to send or call on the author at Tate's Royal 
Hotel, Prince Street, Edinbuigh, or the Star Hotel, James's Square, 
Glasgow, but no response to the notice to this date. 

The splendid sword presented in person to Paul Jones by Louis XVI. 
of France, for his heroic achievements during the American Revolutionary 
war against the British, is now in possession of Captain Dale, U. S. Navy, 
Pliiladelphia, son of the late Commodore Richard Dale, first lieutenant 
V under Jones. This splendid sword, the only relic left of value as belonging 
to Paul Jones, should be demanded by Miss Lowden, onlj'^ heir, as the 
author has no evidence or knowledge how this sword came into the pos- 
session of Commodore Dale, and by what right it is still held from the 
heir of so distinguished and heroic naval commander of the revolution ; — 
an explanation should be demanded. 

" District of Columbia. \ 

" County of Washington, to wit : V 
'' United States of America. ) 

" To all persons to whom these presents shall come, greeting : 



364 APPENDIX. 

" Know ye, that whereas John Paul Jones, late of the United States 
Navy, deceased, hath died intestate, as it is said, leaving certain goods, 
chattels, and personal estate to be administered : Now^ know ye, That 
administration of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights and credits of 
the said John Paul Jones, deceased, is hereby granted and committed 
unto Col. John Henry Sherburne, of the County and District aforesaid. 

" Witness, Nathaniel P. Caurin, Esquire, Judge of the Orphans' Court 
of Wtishington County aforesaid, this 18th day of February, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine, and of the 
Independence of the United States the sixty-second. 

" Test., Edward N. Roach, Register of Wills. 

" Oath administered to the above named administrator, and sworn 
before me on the day above mentioned, and public notice in the papers 
duly given. 

" Edward N. Roach, Register of Wills." 



OFFICIAL LETTERS TO THE AUTHOR, 

RELATIVE TO THE ORIGINAL MUSTER ROLLS OF THE UNITED STATES 
FRIGATES BON HOMME RICHARD, ALLIANCE, AND SLOOP OF WAR 
PALLAS, IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PRIZE-MONEY DEPOSITED IN 
THE TREASURY IN 1800. 

From the First Auditor of the U. S. Treasury. 

" Treasury Department, Washington, May '1th, 1827. 
" Sir, 
"Will you have the goodness to inform this Department, where an 
official list of the crew of the United States frigate Alhance, when com- 
manded by Commodore John Paul Jones in the Revolutionary "War, 
exhibiting a distribution oi prize-money, can be procured ? It is not to be 
found in either of the State or Treasury Departments. 

" Very respectfully, sir, 

" Your obedient servant, 

" Jesse Miller, 1st Auditor. 

" Col. John H. Sherburne, Author Life of Paul Jones, ) 
Washington City." i" 



APPENDIX. 



365 



From, the Register of the Treasury of the United States. 

" Treasury Departments Register''s Office, August 2d. 

" Sir, 
" After a careful examination of the files of this office, the only paper 
found in relation to the jnize-money ($50,000) due to the officers and 
crews under command of the late Commodore John Paul Jones, is a copy 
of a certified copy of the crew of the Bon homme Richard and Alliance. 
No original muster or pay roll appears to have been filed with any of the 
accounts for prize-money mentioned in the list made out for you by Mr. 
Underwood, herewith returned. I also enclose a memorandum of Mr. 
Underwood on the subject of the lists. 

" I am, very respectfully, yours, &c., 

" Daniel Graham, Register. 

" Col. John H. Sherburne, Present." 

From J. W. Underwood, Chief Cleric of First Auditor''s Office, as men- 
tioned in Mr. Graham^s letter, of August 2d, to the author. 

" Sir, 
" I have no recollection of ever having seen the original rolls of which 
Colonel Sherburne speaks in 1837. I was not Chief Clerk th«n, and had 
nothing to do -with the distribution of the prize-money, but after the 
resignation of Mr. Mahan, Chief Clerk, I had to adjust one or two of the 
accounts, and in doing so, referred to hsts filed with on« of the early 
settleiuents, perhaps the first, under the third section of act of Congress, 
3d March, 1837, (Naval Appropriation,) but the hsts, I am persuaded, of 
the Bon homme Richard and Alliance were not originals, but copies : they 
are to be found, I presume, now filed with said settlement. I think that 
about a year since Major T. L. Smith (late Register) made inquiry for 
them. 

" Yours truly, <fec., 

"J. W. Underwood. 
" Hon. Daniel Graham, Register of the Treasury." 



From the Secretary of State to the author. 

^^ Department of State, April \Sth. 
" Sir, 
"In answer to your letter of the 14th instant, I have to infonn you that 



366 APPENDIX. 

there are no muster rolls of tte frigate Alliance, in 1*782, among the 
papers of Commodore John Paul Jones in this Department. 
" I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

" James Buchanan, Secretary of State. 
" Col. John H. Sherburne, Present." 



PRIZE MONEY 

DUE TO THE OFFICERS, SEAMEN, AND MARINES OF THE V. S. FRIGATES 
BON HOMME RICHARD AND ALLIANCE, UNDER COMMAND OF COM- 
MODORE JOHN PAUL JONES IN 1779, AND NOT PAID UNTIL MARCH, 

1837, AND THEN tkirty-seven years' interest refused to the heirs of 

THE gallant TARS, SO JUSTLY DUE. 

While the author was examining the documents and papers which 
Ex-President Thomas JefFereon had sent him a year previous to the 
patriot's death, all relative to his fi-iend, the late Paul Jones, a discovery 
was made of great importance which had been secreted since 1800, \iz. : 
That Paul Jones had paid into the hands of Mr. Jefferson then Minister 
to France, and on the eve of returning to the United States, $50,000 to 
be by him deposited in the U. S. Treasury for the benefit as prize money 
due to all those officers and men who so'ved in the American squadron 
in Europe, and to be paid them by the government pro rata immediately 
after the amount was deposited by Mr. Jeffei-son. It was the last day of 
February, 1837, when it was by accident discovered by the author, who 
at once called at the Treasiny to ascertain why and wherefore this large 
amount of money had been so long withheld from the brave tars of the 
revolution who had fought and bled under their heroic commander, while 
carrying in triumph the flag of liberty over every sea, seeking and captur- 
ing the foe, to independence. On examination there it was found correct, 
but the money could not be withdrawn without an act of Congress, which 
body was then in session, and but three days remained before adjournment. 
The author called on the Revolutionary Committee, stated the case which 
was satisfactory, when they agreed to report it to the House that morning, 
and endeavor to have it attached as a rider to the Navy Bill, then 



APPENDIX. 



36r 



before the Senate for amendment, on its return to the House, which proved 
successful by a unanimous vote. The author, by authority, advertised 
through the press for all concerned to forward their claims to the fii*st 
Auditor of the Treasmy for payment according to their rank, and the 
following is an official statement transmitted to the author in 1842, giv'ing 
the names, rank, and prize money paid to claimants, &c., viz. : — 



Paid in 1838. 



Lawrence Brooks, 
Cutting Lunt, 
Jonathan Wells, 
Gilbert AVall, 
Richard Wall, 
Aaron Goodwin, 
Benjamin Balch, 
John Green, 
Thomas Balch, 
Thomas Case, 
Joseph Ferdinand, 
Ephraim Clark, 
John Gunnei"son, 



Sm-geon, 
Lieutenant, 
Gunner, 
Seaman, 



Bon homme Richard, 



Chaplain, Frigate AUiance, 

Carpenter's Mate, " " 

Seaman, " " 



Bon homme Richard, 



Jacob Nutter, 
John Stickney, 



Paid in 1840. 

Frigate Alhance, 



Qu'r Master, 
Seaman, 



1141 41 

739 74 

79 58 

36 88 

36 88 

29 84 

47 74 

79 58 

39 79 

39 79 

39 79 

39 79 

120 11 









$1470 92 


- 


Paid 


in 1839. 




Richard Dale, 


Fii-st Lieut., 


Bon homme Richard, 


1756 58 


Samuel Stacy, 


Sail. Master, 


1.1. a (( 


750 58 


Samuel Guild, 


Surg. Mate, 


Frigate Alliance, 


79 58 


Amos Windship, 


Surgeon, 


a a 


189 14 


Benjamin Balch, 


Chaplain, 


u u 


15 90 


Andrew Withan, 


Seaman, 


« (( 


39 79 


Samuel Gray, 


u 


« (( 


39 79 



11877 36 



$79 58 
19 90 



$99 48 



368 APPENDIX. 

Paid in 1841 and 1842. 

Nathaniel Fanning, Midshipman, Bon homme Richard, % ^(S 42 
Henry Lunt, Lieutenant, " " " 387 40 



153899 58 



XXIXth ConffreSS, ) -rr t. ^^^ -r. -.-r 

^. ,„ . ^ ' \ H.R. 200.— Report No. 206. 
ru'st bession. j ^ 

February 10th, 1846. 
Read and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow. 



Mr. Maclay, from the Committee on Naval Affaii-s, reported the follow- 
ing BiU :— 

"A BILL 
"For the Relief of the Heirs of John Raul Jones. 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the accounts 
of the late Commodore John Paul Jones with the United States 
be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, to adjust and pay upon the 
principles of justice and equity, according to acts in similar cases, and 
applicable thereto. 

"Section 2d. — And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the 
Treasury is hereby instructed to pay to the legal representatives of the 
said John Paul Jones, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated, his proportion of the value, as estimated by Benjamin 
Franklin with interest, of three prizes captured by the squadron under the 
command of the said Jones, and delivered up to Great Britain by Den- 
mark in 1779 ; to be apportioned on the basis of the distribution of a 
settlement made with, for prizes captured by the said squadron, and 
received from the Court of France, and confirmed by Congress in 1787; 
the said proportion to be deducted from the indemnity to be received from 
Denmark, in satisfaction of the loss sustained in the three prizes 
aforesaid." 

Passed, and approved by the President of the United States, July 6, 
1848, granting |50,000 to the heirs of the gallant hero, leaving $150,000 
of the Danish Claim to be distributed among the officers and crews in the 
Squadron of 1779, when demanded. 



APPENDIX, 369 

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE, 

\ 

RELATIVE TO THE REMOVAL OF PAUL JONES's REMAINS FROM PARIS TO 
THE UNITED STATES FOR INTERMENT, IN THE UNITED STATES FRIGATE 
ST. LAWRENCE, COMMANDER JOSHUA R. SANDS, BY ORDERS FROM THE 
HON. WILLIAM A. GRAHAM, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

The author had made a request of Mr. Bancroft, in writing, in 1845, 
when at the head of the Navy Department, asking that the remains 
might be brought home, in one of the return ships in the Mediterranean, 
but received no reply. 

''^Navy Department, January 30th, 1851. 
" Sir, 
"Agreeably to the request contained in your letter of the 2Yth instant, 
an order has this day been issued to the commander of the frigate St. 
Lawi'ence, directing him to receive on board at Southampton, the remains 
of the late John Paul Jones, to be transported to New York. 

" I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" William A. Graham, Secretary of the Navy. 
" Col. John H. Sherburne, New York." 

As there were no instructions in the above letter to receive the author 
on board the frigate St. Lawrence, with the remains of the late Commo- 
dore Paul Jones, at Southampton, (England,) to be taken to New York, 
the author addressed a note to the Secretary, to inquire if it were neces- 
sary for a specific order to the commander of the St. Lawrence to that 
effect, and the following letter from the Secretary wishes it to be so under- 
stood, both by the Department and the commander of the frigate. Captain 
Sands, that the author should accompany the remains to New York, in 
the frigate. 

^'' Navy Department, February 2\st, 1851. 

" Sir, 

" Your letter of the 20th instant, requesting that directions may be 
given to Commander Sands to receive you on board the frigate St. Law- 
rence, on your arrival at Southamptoi\,from Paris, with the remains of the 

24 



3Y0 APPENDIX. 

late John Paul Jones, has been received. The Department does not deem 
it necessary to issue the order asked for, as it presumes there will be no 
difficulty in the case. 

" I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" William A. Graham, Secretary of the Navy. 
" Col. John II. Sherburne, New York." 

Extract of a letter from a distinguished author in Philadelphia, relative 
to the removal of the remains of the late Commodore Paul Jones from 
France to the United States, to the author. 

" My Dear Colonel, 

" I regret exceedingly that I was not able to see you previous to your 
departure for New York. So fearful was I that you would not decide as 
I desired as regards the disposition of the remains of Paul Jones, that I 
concluded to send this letter after you. 

" I repeat to you, that in no event must the remains of the Chevalier 
Jones repose anywhere save in this country. America, which is the legatee 
of his fame, should be the guardian of his ashes. I guarantee to you a 
most glorious reception, an honorable and public interment for them. 
This I give you on my own personal responsibility. But that were need- 
less ; for so soon as we learn that you are about to start with them, so 
soon will we prepare for a public demonstration, which will be enthu- 
siastic. 

"On no account must the remains of Paul Jones repose in other than, 
American soil. 

" With sentiments of the highest respect, I am, dear Colonel, 

" Yours very truly, (fee." 

Letter from the Hon. Richard Rush, Minister to the Court of St. Cloud, 
to the author, in relation to the removal of the remains of Commodore 
John Paul Jones to the United States, for interment at Washington City. 

'■'^ Legation of the United States, Paris, January 3d, 1848. ) 
3, Pue de Matignon. ) 

" My Dear Sir, 
" In reply to your letter of the 28th ult., I beg to say, that on your 
arrival at Paris I will gladly aid you in any suggestions or steps that may 
be proper and practicable, on my part, towards the interesting object you 
propose to youi-self, of removing to our country, for interment in the Con- 
gress cemetery at Washington, the remains of Paul Jones, from their 
present entombment in this capital. But, uninstructed by the Secretary 



APPENDIX. 3T1 

of State on this subject, and uninformed if Congress has passed any reso- 
hition in regard to it, I must wait your arrival for information on these 
and other points, prehminary to any steps of mine, official or otherwise, 
with this government or the public authorities of Paris on the occasion. 
I have no knowledge of the place of his interment, of which, perliaps, you 
may know something. I am happy to see, by our papere, that the Senate 
has already, at the present session of Congress, passed a bill for the relief 
of the heirs of this gallant patriot and warrior of our Revolution. 
" I remain, dear sir, very respectfully, 

" Your obedient servant, 

"Richard Rush. 
" Col. John H. Sherburne, 96 Strand, London." 



NAVY AND REVENUE SERVICE. 

The author professes to have had some experience in naval as well as 
military mattei-s, during the last quarter of a century, and the pleasure of 
corresponding with officers of high rank in both departments, while 
holding responsible confidential appointments under the several adminis- 
trations ; consequently his feelings naturally became enlisted in their 
behalf, more especially when neglect, or injustice, seemed their only reward 
for long service and sacrifice in the cause of our model republic, the pole- 
star, on which all nations now gaze with astonishment at its power, 
magnanimity, and greatness. 

While casting a glance over the printed naval register for the current 
year (which was politely inclosed to the author from the department, a 
copy of which is added in the appendix to this work), and seeing so many 
officers marked " off duty^'' or " waiting orders,'''' the idea suggested itself, 
why the revenue cutters on the several stations should not be officered 
from the navy instead of taking civilians from their trade or profession to 
command cutters, being wholly ignorant of navigation, or the discipline 
required on board ship, <fec. 

Therefore, would it not, under such circumstances, be advisable for the 
Secretary of the Navy (who is ever alive to all that concerns the welfare 
of the department over which he presides with so much credit to the 
Republic) to suggest the expediency, at the next session of Congress, of 
placing the revenue cuttei-s under the command of lieutenants in the navy, 
and ordering passed midshipmen to them as acting lieutenants, with two 



372 APPENDIX. 

or three midshipmen to learn practical navigation coastwise, until other 
duties can be given them. If this were done, active employment would 
be given to a goodly number of the gi'ade of officers named, who are 
anxious for active service and a chance for a more thorough knowledge of 
their profession, which the present limited number of our vessels of war, 
and the yearly increase of officers of these grades, noiv prevent. In fact 
revenue cutters would prove good schools for the officers, inasmuch a-s 
they would, in time, become efficient pilots on our widely extended coa.st, 
which would not only be useful to them, but of great importance to the 
whole country in time of war, more particularly as these officers, on being 
transferred to large ships of war, could, on any emergency, act as skilful 
practical pilots on approaching the coast, or entering harbors, in war or 
peace, in calms or tempests, without waiting for a harbor pilot. 

If economy be the foundation of a Republican form of government, as it 
would seem to be, a regulation as suggested would prove an immense 
saving on the calls of the Treasury ; for the gi'ade of officers alluded to, 
who are fi'om year to year doing no active service, and drawing regularly 
their full monthly pay and rations, if ordered to the cutters, would not 
increase the appropriation for the navy but a mere trifle, while an immense 
saving would unquestionably be made to the nation by substituting the 
navy officers for the present revenue officers, M'ho, near half of their time, 
are, with their beautiful craft, at anchor in harboi-s, or engaged on fishing 
and other excursions during the summer months, and, in winter, most 
frequently, are seen frozen up in the ice, and helpless as a birch canoe. 

It will be easily conceived that the minds of navy officers must necessa- 
rily become uneasy when they are continued too long in any one grade, 
and become rusty, which must be the case while the present law exists 
regulating the number in the ser\ice, and consequently slow promotions ; 
for it must be conceded by all who are anywise acquainted with naval 
tactics, that it is the work of many years' study and experience to acquire 
the high degree of science necessary to a great sea officer, and the plan 
suggested of having the revenue cutters officered by lieutenants and 
midshipmen, would be one step towards allowing these officei-s some 
chance of acquiring a knowledge of their profes^on before they beco)iie 
ffrey, as some already are, and also to learn that there is as much difference 



APPENDIX. 373 

between a battle between two ships, and an engagement between two 
fleets, as there is between a duel and a ranged battle between two armies ; 
that the mere holding a commission and wearing a button for twenty years 
on shore, is no evidence of an officer being a thorough seaman, or fit to 
command a man-of-war in case of sudden emergency. A navy may be 
officered, but it is not so sure that officere are always equal to their 
commissions. Let them have experience. There are about thirty vessels 
in the revenue ser\nce, officered by civ-ilians, to the number of over a 
hundi-ed, while streets and hotels are thronged with supplemental naval 
officere, drawing pay and soliciting service in vain. 

FRIGATE PAUL JONES. 

The author has repeatedly been asked the question, both in Europe and 
his own country, why the government omitted naming a ship of war in 
honor to the memory of Paul Jones, who so distinguished himself in the 
American Revolution, and so triumphantly disputed with England the 
supremacy of the sea, by conquering her crack frigates, single handed, 
whenever an opportunity offered, and sending them as prizes into port. 

In answer to this question, the author has invariably screened the go- 
vernment from any reproach for the want of any neglect on their part in 
the desire that a frigate of the fii-st class should expressly be built, to be 
named the Paul Jones, in memory of the late naval chieftain, and the 
following act was passed unanimously by Congress, and approved by the 
President, June 30th, 1834. — See volume 9, page 121, section 1st, chap- 
ter 125, Laws of the United States. 

"An Act authorizing the Purchase of Live-oak Frames for a Frigate and 
Sloop of War, and for other Naval Purposes : 

" Section First. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the United States of America in Congi-ess assembled : That the 
Secretary of the Navy be and he is hereby authorized to direct the pro- 
curement, in the usual mode, of a live-oak frame for a frigate, to be called 
the Paul Jones ; and of a live-oak frame for a sloop of war, to be called 
the Levant ; and the sum of $50,000 is hereby appropriated, out of any 
money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for that purpose. — 
Approved June SOth, i834." 



374 APPENDIX. 

It is for the late Navy Board of Commissioners to answer the inquiry, 
why they neglected, in the face of the above act of Congress, approved by 
the President seventeen years ago, and who were then authorized by law 
to name the public ships as they were ordered to be built, to obey the 
law in purchasing the live-oak for the building of the frigate to be called 
the Paul Jones, or say what became of the ffty thousand dollars spe- 
cially appropriated for the object named. The ships Bainbridge, Decatui', 
WaiTen, Dale, Somers, et al., were built and so named by the then Navy 
Board, but it would seem that the name of Paul Jones, the hero who first 
proclaimed to the astonished world that the cross of Britain had been 
humbled by the modest bunting of America in single combat, was inten- 
tionally forgotten by the Honorable Navy Commissioner in 1834. 

It is hoped by the author, (as the humble biographer of the late Com- 
modore Paul Jones,) that the present energetic Secretary of the Navy, 
whose patriotic feelings have never been known to wane under any cir- 
cumstances, will, at a convenient season, see proper to make the inquiry 
relative to the foregoing act of Congress, and why it was not carried into 
effect ; as the $50,000 could not be transferred to any other use without 
act of Congress, it is to be presumed the amount yet remains in the Trea- 
sury, subject to draft for the purpose contemplated. 

To have a fii"st class frigate named the Paul Jones, would be an 
endorsement by the American Repubhc to the world, that he was not a 
pirate, (so named by the English press,) but an American naval officer, 
holding a commission from the Congress of 1YY6, and entrusted with its 
national banner, which was never disgraced while under the hero's protec- 
tion, at home or abroad. 

On the arrival of Commodore Paul Jones in the Texel, (Holland,) with 
his prize, the crack British frigate Serapis, 50, Commodore Pearson, cap- 
tured after a most l)loody and desperate engagement, off Flamborough 
Head, by moonlight, (in which the Bon homme Richard went down the 
next day,) the French consul. General M. le Chevalier de Linoncourt, was 
so elated at so splendid a victory, that he wrote the following hasty note 
to Jones, (which the author copied from the original and translated,) 
urging him to say that he captured the Serapis, holding a commission 
from the French court, which was lost in the sinking of his ship, the Bon 



APPENDIX. 375 

homme Richard, thereby uttering a falsehood. So gross was this insult 
to the American commission, so dear to him, who with it had jDerformed 
such glorious, valorous conquests on sea and land, under freedom's stripes, 
that he the same day addressed a letter on the subject (so insulting to 
himself and America, his adopted country,) to the French ambiissador, 
Monsieur le Due de la Vauguyon, which patriotic epistle alone places the 
name of Paul Jones among the fii-st patriots of the Revolution in 1*776, 
and should cause the hero's name to be remembered and revered by 
every American heart. 

Note from M. le Chevalier de Lhioncotirt^ French Consul-General at the 
Ilaguej to Co7nmodore John Paul Jones. 

"M. le Commodore Paul Jones anoncera a ^I. le Vice Aniiral Reyan, 
que quoiqu'en qualit6 d'Araericain il n'ait fait usage que de la commis- 
sion des Etats Unis, il n'en etait pas moins vrai qu'il avait une francaise 
qui a ete perdue, dans du desastre du Bon homme Richard, et dont I'acte 
qui lui a ete adresse est la cop'ie. jNI. le Commodore Paul Jones fera 
m6me cette declaration pour ecrit, et la signera, si par hazard M. le Vice 
Amiral venait a Texiger." 

[translation.] 

" Commodore Paul Jones will state to Vice Admiral Reyan, that, 
although as an American he has only used the commission of the United 
States, it is not the less true that he had a French commission, which 
was lost at the time of the disaster to the Bon homme Richard, and that 
the document which has been sent to him is the copy. Commodore Paul 
Jones will even make this declaration in writing, and sign it, if by chance 
the Vice Admiral should demand it." 

Note. — The following lines are in the handwriting of Paul Jones, 
written under the above, on the note from the French Consul-General 
at the Hague, in which he thinks himself most grossly insulted. 

" N. B. The above is the proposition that was given me in writing, the 
13th December, 1779, on board the frigate Alliance, at the Texel, by M. 
le Chevalier de Linoncourt, to induce me to say and sign a falsehood. 

" John Paul Jones." 



376 APPENDIX. 

From Paul Jones to the French Ambassador at the Hague. 

"0/i hoard the American fr-igate Alliance, in the ) 
Texel, December 13 th, 1779. J 

" My Lord, 

" Perhaps there are many men in the world, who would esteem as an 
honor the commission that I have this day refused. My rank from the 
beginning knew no superior in the marine of America ; how, then, must I 
be humbled, were I to accept of a letter of marque ! I should, my lord, 
esteem myself inexcusable, were I to accept of even a commission of equal 
or superior denomination with that I bear, unless I were previously author- 
ized, either by Congress or some other competent authority in Europe ; 
and I must tell you, that on my arrival at Brest from my expedition in 
the Irish Channel, Count d'Orvilliers offered to procure for me from the 
Coui-t at Versailles, a commission of Capitaine des Vesseaux, which I did 
not then accept for the same reason, although the war between England 
and France was not then begun, and of course the commission of France 
would have protected me from an enemy of superior force. 

" It is ct matter of the highest astonishment to me, after so many com- 
pliments and fair professions, the French Court should offer the present 
insult to my understanding, and suppose me capable of disgracing my 
present commission ! I confess that I have not merited all the praise 
that has been bestowed on my past conduct ; but I also feel that I have 
far less merited such a reward ! Where jii'ofession and practice are so 
opposite, I am no longer weak enough to form a wrong conclusion. They 
may think as they please of me ; for where I cannot continue my esteem, 
praise or censure from any man is to me matter of indifference. I am 
much obliged to them, however, for having at last fairly opened my eyes, 
and enabled me to discover truth from falsehood. The prisoners shall be 
delivered agreeably to the orders which you have done me the honor to 
send me from his excellency the American ambassador in France. 

" I will also, with great pleasure, not only permit a part of my seamen 
to go on board the ship under your excellency's ordei-s, but I will also do 
my utmost to prevail with them to embark freely ; and if I can now, or 
hereafter, by any other honorable means facilitate the success or the honor 
of his Majesty's arms, I pledge myself to you, as his ambassador, that none 
of his own subjects would bleed in his cause with gi-eater freedom than 
myself, an American. 

" It gives me the more pain, my lord, to write this letter, because the 
court has enjoined you to propose what would destroy my peace of mind, 
and my future veracity in the opinion of the world. When, with the con- 
sent of the court, and by ordei-s of the American ambassador, I gave Ame- 



APPENDIX. 377 

rican commissions to French officei-s, I did not fill up these commissions 
to command privateers ! nor even for a rank equal to that of their commis- 
sions in the marine of France. They were promoted to a rank far supe- 
rior. And why ? Not from pereonal friendship, nor from my knowledge 
of their services or abilities, (the men and their charactei-s being entire 
strangers to me,) but from the respect which I beheved America would 
wish to show for the service of France. While I remained, (eight months,) 
seemingly forgot by the French Court, at ]3rest, many commissions, such 
as that m question, were offered me ; and I believe (when I am in pursuit 
of plunder,) I can still obtain such an one, without aj^j^Hcatioii to the 
French Court. 

" I hope, my lord, that my beha\-ior through life will ever entitle me to 
the contiimance of your good wishes and opinion, and that you will take 
occasion to make mention of the warm and personal affection with which 
my heart is impressed towards his IMajesty. 

" I arn unalterably, my lord, 

" Your excellency's obedient and humble servant, 

" John Paul Jones. 
" Son Excellence, 

" Monsieur le due de la Vauguyon, Paris, 

" And Ambassadeur de France, &c., &c." 

Among the voluminous correspondence, public documents, private 
papers, &c., amounting to many hundreds, all connected with naval 
mattere during the American Revolution, left by the late Comv^odore 
Paul Jones, was a complete tabular hst, in his own handwriting, of every 
vessel, large and small, in the English navy during the Revolution, and 
under each proper head were the names of the vessels of war, rates, 
dimensions, men, guns, depth, width, tons, where built, when rebuilt, 
by whom, and di-aught of water ; also, the number of pinnaces, yawls, and 
long boats, attached to each vessel of war. 

The author presumes that Jones must have had a friend of influence 
attached to the Enghsh Admiralty Office, from whom such highly 
imjjortant information was received, giving the possessor of such a 
document the great advantage in war, in knowing the strength of an 
adversary. This may account, in some measure, that whenever Paul 
Jones engaged his enemy at sea, even if a superior force, he always 
was victorious. Strange as it may appear, Jones never received a wound 
in all his severe engagements. 



3Y8 APPENDIX. 

ABOLITION OF THE "CAT" IN THE NAVY. 

Every Member and Senator in the XXXIst Congress of the United States 
who voted for the abohtion of the Cat as a punishment in the American 
Na\'y deserve to have their names enrolled among the philanthropists of 
the Nineteenth Century. The use of the Cat for the punishment of men 
on board the public ships for the most trivial offence, was a disgrace to 
the Stars and Stripes^ that floated proudly overhead of the victim lashed 
to the gratino-s, to receive blow after blow on his naked back from the 
Cat in the hands of the boatswain's mate. The gallant Paul Jones, 
the Washington on the ocean during the American Revolution, never 
disgraced his name, or the ship or squadron he had the honor to 
command, by cruelty to those vmder his command ; hence it was no 
rendezvous was required to drum up the old salts to enlist on board the 
ship-of-war that had for her commander Paul Jones, and it was the con- 
fidence he had in all under his command that was the great secret why he 
never turned his heel, or show his stern ports to an enemy on the ocean, 
even if of superior force ; knowing that all would sooner sink than strike 
the American banner to a proud foe who claimed the mastery of every 
sea. Paul Jones was, as will be seen in this work, always victorious. 

Haines, the sailor philanthropist, overleaped eveiy obstacle to sponge 
from the American escutcheon the punishment of the Cat in the Navy, 
which will be most deej)ly remembered with gratitude by the American 
sailor. 

Previous, however, to Mr. Haines's coming foi-ward with his philan- 
thropic views for abolishing the Cat, the U. S. ship Vandalia, Capt. Levy, 
returned to Norfolk from a long cruise in the Gulf of Mexico (1838, '39), 
without punishment by the Cat to the crew of that ship, her commander, 
on his own responsibility, substituting fatigue duty, badges of disgrace, 
&c., touching the pride of the sailor, which had the happy effect of doing 
away with the use of the Cat during the cruize of the Vandalia. 



APPENDIX. 379 



ODE 

To the Memory of the late John Paul Jones, U. S. Navy, on the occa- 
sion of his hoisting, with his own hands, the first American Naval 
Flag on hoard the American Frigate "■Alfred'"' 44, under a Salute 
of 13 guns of Chestnut Street Wharf, PhiladeliMa, October 10th, 
1116. By Miss G. H. Sherburne {Daughter of the Author), now 
Mrs. a. Hull, New York, and Granddaughter of Elijah Hall, 
First Lieutenant under Paul Jones in the Revolutionary War. 



'TwAS Jones, Paul Jones, who first o'er Delaware's tide 
From ''Alfred's" main displayed Columbia's pride; 

The Stripes* of Freedom proudly waved on high, 
While shouts of freemen rang for liberty. 



All hail ! Paul Jones, Columbia's friend in need. 
In hu mbling Britons, thou first took the lead ; 

Sailing in triumph over every sea. 

Proclaiming to all, Columbia should be free. 



Old Neptune hailed thee as his favorite son. 

With corals crowned thee for thy victories won ; 

Sea-Nymphs chimed thy praise in merry glee, 

While meteor-like thou ploughed the foamy sea. 



Through England's fleets thou dashed in bold array, 
On Albion's coast spread terror and dismay ; 

Thy cannon's thunder shook her rockbound shore. 
Her Lion trembled amid his boastful roar. 



* The Flag was 13 Stripes (without the field of stars), with the rattlesnake, and 
motto, "Don't tread vpoit me .' " 



380 APPENDIX. 

At thy dread name were tyrants made to quake, 

And offer Gold* for the head they could not take ; 

Till lowly humbled, owned Columbia free. 

Home of the oppressed, blest land of liberty. 

Thy triumphs, Jones, the magic muse shall trace. 
Thy matchless deeds shall fire a future race ; 

Thy name shall live in song till times no more, 

Till ocean's mountain wave shall cease to roar. 



* Ten thousand guineas, reward was offered for the capture of Paul Jones during 
the Revolutionary War by the British Government. 



ORGANIZATION 



NAVY DEPAKTMENT, 

1851. 



OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 



Name. 


Duty. 


Salary. 


William A. Graham, 


Secretary, 


$6,000 


John Etheridge, 


Chief Clerk, 


2,000 


Samuel L, Harris, 


Principal Corresponding Clerk, 


1,500 


Lauriston B. Hardin, 


Register, 


1,400 


Henry L. Harvey, 


Warrant Clerk, 


1,200 


George S. Watkins, 


Assistant Corresponding Clerk, 


1,200 


WiUiam W. Morrison, 


Assistant Corresponding Clerk, 


1,200 


Charles W. Welsh, 


Additional Clerk, 


1,200 


W. Brenton Boggs, 


Additional Clerk, 


1,200 


Abel B. Upshm-, 


Recording Clerk, 


1,000 


John J. Berret, 


Recording Clerk, 


1,000 


S. Bulow Erwin, 


Recording Clerk, 


1,000 


William King, 


Miscellaneous Clerk, 


1,000 


Samuel Mickum, 


Messenger, 


650 


Lindsay Muse, 


Assistant Messenger, 


400 


BUREAU OF 


CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT, AND REPAIR. 




Charles W. Skinner, 


Chief of Bureau, 


$3,500 


P. C. Johnson, 


Chief Clerk, 


1,400 


John H. Reily, 


Clerk, 


1,200 


E. M. Cunningham, 


Clerk, 


1,200 



382 


APPENDIX. 


Name. 


Duty. 


Lauriston Ward, 


Clerk, 


James Selden, 


Clerk, 


Edward Chapman, 


Clerk, 


John W. Bronough, 


Clerk, 


Wilham Robinson, 


Clerk, 


Richard Powell, 


Draughtsman, 


William A. Elliott, 


Messenger, 



Salary. 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

800 

800 

700 



ATTACHED TO THE BUREAU OF CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT, AND REPAIR. 

John Lenthall, Naval Constructor, $3,000 

Charles B. Stuart, Engineer in Chief, 3,000 

Benjamin F. Isherwood, Chief Engineer, 1,500 

Edmund S. De Luce, 3d Assistant Engineer, 600 

Harman Newell, 3d Assistant Engineer, 600 

BUREAU OF ORDNANCE AND HYDROGRAPHY. 

Lewis Warrington, Chief of Bureau, $3,500 

Joseph P. McCorkle, Clerk, 1,200 

Charles K. King, Clerk, 1,000 

Edward M. Tidball, Clerk, 1,000 

Israel Robinson, Clerk, 1,000 

Charles K. Stellwagen, Draughtsman, 1,000 

Azariah H. Gatton, Messenger, VOO 

BUREAU OF NAVY YARDS AND DOCKS. 

Joseph Smith, Chief of Bureau, $3,500 

William G. Ridgely, Chief Clerk, 1,400 

Stephen Gough, Clerk, 1,000 

Wilham P. Moran, Clerk, 1,000 

James M. Young, Clerk, 800 

William P. S. Sanger, Civil Engineer, 2,000 

George F. de la Roche, Draughtsman, 1,000 

Charles Hunt, Messenger, 700 

ATTACHED TO THE BUREAU OF NAVY YARDS AND DOCKS. 

Albert G. Southall, Sup. of Timber Agencies, $1,500 

BUREAU OF PROVISIONS AND CLOTHING. 

Wilham Sinclau-, Chief of Bureau, $3,500 





APPENDIX. 




383 


Name. 


Duty. 




Salary. 


William S, Parrott, 


Chief Clerk, 




1,400 


Thomas Fillebrown, 


Clerk, 




1,200 


Henry J. Schreiner, 


Clerk, 




1,200 


J. S. Williams, 


Clerk, 




1,000 


Lucius B. Allyn, 


Clerk, 




800 


Ignatius Lucas, 


Messenger, 




VOO 


BUREAU 


OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 




Thomas Harris, 


Chief of Bureau, 




$3,000 


S. Ridout Addison, 


Assistant Surgeon 


(passed), 


1,400 


Moses Poor, 


Clerk, 




1,200 


William Plater, 


Clerk, 




1,000 


Marsh B. Clark, 


Messenger, 




100 



REGISTER 



NAYY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



FOR 1851. 



CAPTAINS. (68) 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

James Barron, 9 Mar. 1798. 
Charles Stewart, 9 Mar. 1798. 
Charles Morris, 1 July 1799. 
Lswis Warrington, 6 Jan. 1800. 
John Downes, 1 June 1802. 
Stephen Cassin, 21 Feb. 1800. 
A. S. Wadsworth, 2 April 1804. 
George C. Read, " 

Henry E. Ballard, 
Jesse Wilkinson, 10 July 1805. 
T. Ap Catesby Jones, 22 kov. 1805. 
Wrn. B. Shubrick; 20 June 180G. 
Charles W. Morgan, 1 Jan. 1808. 
Lawrence Kearny, 24 July 1807. 
Foxhall A. Parker, 1 Jan. 1808. 
Edward R. McCall, 
David Conner, 16 Jan. 1809. 
John D. Sloat, 12 Feb. 1800. 
Mathew C. Perry, 1 March 1809. 
C. W. Skinner, 16 Jan. 1809. 
John T. Newton, " 

Joseph Smith, " 



Name, ana Date of Entry. 

Lawrence Rousseau, 16 Jan. 1809. 
Geoi'ge W. Storer, " 

Francis II. Gregory, " 

Philip F. Voorhees, 15 Nov. 1809. 
David Geisinger, " 

Isaac McKeever, 1 Feb. 1809. 
J. P. Zantzinger, 15 Nov. 1809. 
William D. Salter, 
C. S. McCauley, 16 Jan. 1809. 
Thomas M. Newell, 11 Sep. 1813. 
Ehe A. F. Lavallette, 25 June 1812. 
Thomas T. Webb, 1 Jan. 1808. 
John Percival, 6 March 1809. 
John H. Auhck, 15 Nov. 1809. 
W. V. Taylor, 28 April 1813. 
Bladen Dulany, ]8 May 1809. 
Silas II. Stringham, 15 Nov. 1809. 
Isaac Mayo, " 

William Mervine, 16 Jan. 1809. 
Thomas Crabbe, 15 Nov. 1809. 
Thomas Paine, 10 Oct. 1812. 
James Armstrong, 15 Nov. 1809. 



APPENDIX. 



385 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Joseph Smoot, 1 Dec. 1809. 
Samuel L. Breese, 17 Dec. 1810. 
Benjamin Page, " 

Thomas W. Wyman, " 
W. K. Latimer, 15 Nov. 1809. 
Hiram Paulding, 1 Sept. 1811. 
Uriah P. Levy, 21 Oct. 1812. 
Charles Boarman, 9 June 1811. 
French Forrest, " 

William Jamesson, 1 Sept. 1811. 
Charles Gauntt, " 

William Ramsay, " 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Henry Henry, 1 July 1812. 
Samuel W. Downing, 1 Sep. 1811. 
Henry W. Ogden, " 

Thomas A. Conover, 1 Jan. 1812. 
John C. Long, 18 June, 1812. 
John H. Graham, " 

James Mc. Mcintosh, 1 Sept. 1811. 
Josiah Tattnall, 1 Jan. 1812. 
Hugh N. Page, 1 Sept. 1811. 
William Inman, 1 Jan. 1812. 
Stephen Champlin, 22 May 1812. 
Joel Abbot, 18 June 1812. 



COMMANDERS. (97) 



Lewns E. Simonds, 1 Jan. 1812. 
John M. Dale, 18 June 1812. 
Harrison H. Cocke, " 

W. J. McCluney, 1 Jan. 1812. 
J. B. Montgomery, 4 June 1812. 
Horace B. Sawyer, " 

C. B. Stribling, 18 June 1812. 
Joshua R. Sands, " 

John J. Young, 1 Jan. 1812. 
Charles H. Bell, 18 June 1812. 
Abraham Bigelow, " 

Frederick Varnum, " 

Joseph R. Jarvis, " 

S. W. LeCompte, 4 June 1812. 
Charles T. Piatt, 18 June 1812. 
W. M. Armstrong, 30 Nov. 1814. 
William F. Shields, 2 Feb. 1814. 
G. J. Pendergrast, 1 Jan. 1812. 
W. C. Nicholson, 18 June 1812. 
James B. Cooper, 9 July 1812. 
E. W. Carpender, 10 July 1813. 
John L. Saunders, 15 Nov. 1809. 
Joseph B. Hull, 9 Nov. 1813. 
John Stone Paine, " 

Joseph Morehead, " 

Thomas Petigru, 1 Jan. 1812. 
John S. Chauncey, " 



25 



John Kelly, 1 Feb. 1814. 
William H. Gardner, 6 Dec. 1814. 
David G. Farragut, 17 Dec. 1810. 
R. S. Pinckney, 3 Aug. 1814. 
Stephen B.Wilson, 1 Jan. 1812. 
T. Aloysius Dornin, 2 May 1815. 
R.B. Cunningham, 30 Nov. 1814. 
James Glynn, 4 March 1815. 
Joseph Myers, 6 Dec. 1814. 
Thomas R. Gedney, 4 Mar. 1815. 
V. M. Randolph, 11 June 1814. 
Frederick Engle, 6 Dec. 1814. 
John Rudd, 30 Nov. 1814. 
Robert Ritchie, 1 Feb. 1814. 
W. W. McKean, 30 Nov. 1814. 
F.Buchanan, 28 June 1815. 
Samuel Mercer, 4 March 1815. 
Charles Lowndes, 28 March 1815. 
L. M. Goldsborough, 18 June 1812. 
George N. Hollins, 1 Feb. 1814. 
D. N. Ingraham, 18 June, 1812. 
John Marston, 15 April 1813. 
Henry Bruce, 9 Nov. 1813. 
Henry A. Adams, 14 Mar. 1814, 
James D. Knight, 30 Nov. 1814, 
Joseph Mattison, " 

Wilham S. Walker, '* 



386 



APPENDIX, 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

George F. Peai*son, 11 Mar. 1815. 
James T. Gerry, 20 Dec. 1815. 
John S. Nicholas, 6 June 1815. 
Samuel F. Dupont, 16 Dec. 1815. 
William L. Hudson, 1 Jan. 1816. 
George A. Magruder, 1 Jan. 1817. 
John Pope, 30 May 1816. 
Levin M. Powell, 1 March 181Y. 
Charles Wilkes, 1 Jan. 1818. 
Elisha Peck, 4 March 1817. 
Thomas J. Manning, 1 Jan. 1817. 
WiUiam Peai-son, 1 Jan. 1818. 
W. L. Howard, 10 Jan. 1815. 
Thomas J. Leib, 1 Sept. 1811. 
T. 0. Selfridge, 1 Jan. 1818. 
Henry Eagle, " 

Andrew K. Long, 1 Nov. 1818. 
G. J. Van Brunt, 3 Nov. 1818. 
W. M. Glendy, 1 Jan. 1818. 
G. P. Upshur, 23 April, 1818. 
George S. Blake, 
Z. F. Johnston, " 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Wilham Green, 1 Jan. 1818. 
Samuel Barron, 1 Jan. 1812. 
T. G. Benham, 30 Nov. 1814. 
A. G. Slaughter, 3 Nov. 1818. 
Oscar Bullus, 1 Nov. 1817. 
C. H. Jackson, 4 March 1818. 
Andrew A. Harwood, 1 Jan. 1818. 
Theodoras Bailey, " 

H. Y. Purviance, 3 Nov. 1818. 
George Adams, 1 Jan. 1818. 
C. Ringgold, 4 March, 1819. 
WiUiam F. Lynch, 26 Jan. 1819. 
Henry W. Morris, 21 Aug. 1819. 
Isaac S. Sterrett, 24 March ] 819. 
Francis B. Ellison, 28 May 1819. 
Edward B. Boutwell, 3 Mar. 1819. 
Sydney Smith Lee, 30 Dec. 1820. 
W. C. Whittle, 10 May 1820. 
Thompson D. Shaw, " 

R. D. Thornburn, 30 March 1820. 
Samuel Lockwood, 12 July 1820. 



LIEUTENANTS. (327) 



W. A. C. Farragut, 16 Jan. 1809. 
Frank Ellery, 1 Jan. 1812. 
Arthur Lewis, 1 Jan. 1817. 
John H. Little, 1 Jan. 1818. 
Lloyd B. Newell, 10 May 1820. 
Hillary H. Rhodes, 
William S. Ogden, 26 July 1820. 
Frederick A.Neville, 10 May 1820. 
Charles C. Turner, " 

John Manning, " 

James L. Lardner, " 

Robert G. Robb, 6 Sept. 1821. 
John Colhoun, 25 Jan. 1821. 
Law. Pennington, 22 Nov. 1822. 
Thomas T. Craven, 1 May 1822. 
Andrew H. Foote, 4 Dec. 1822. 



Amasa Paine, 1 May 1822. 
Nathaniel W. Duke, " 
Edward G. Tilton, « 

James H. Ward, 4 Mar. 1823. 
Henry K. Hoff, 28 Oct. 1823. 
Murray Mason, 14 Nov. 1823. 
Charles H. Davis, 12 Aug. 1823. 
Jonathan W. Swift, 24 Aug. 1823. 
Ebenezer Farrand, 4 Mar. 1823. 
Henry H. Bell, 4 Aug. 1823. 
WilUam Smith, 4 Mar. 1823. 
Charles H. McBlair, 
James M. Watson, 1 Feb. 1823. 
John W. Livingston, 4 Mar. 1823. 
Junius J. Boyle, 27 Aug. 1823. 
WiUiam E. Hunt, 28 Oct. 1828. 



WiUiam W. Hunter, 1 May 1822. Jonathan D. Ferris, 28 Feb. 1809. 



APPENDIX 



387 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Archibald B. Fairfax, 4 Aug. 1823. 
Peter Turner, 4 Mar. 1823. 
John A. Davis, " 

Henry K. Thatcher, " 
James H. Rowan, 19 Aug. 1823. 
Samuel E. Munn, 27 Aug. 1823. 
William H. Noland, 31 Dec. 1823. 
William D. Porter, 1 Jan. 1823. 
William McBlair, 16 Nov. 1824. 
John S. Missroon, 27 June, 1824. 
James Noble, 27 May 1824. 
Richard L. Page, 1 Mar. 1824. 
Frederick Chatard, 16 Nov. 1824. 
G. G. WiUiamson, 2 June 1824. 
Benjamin J. Totten, 4 Mar. 1823. 
C. G. Hunter, 16 Nov. 1824. 
Arthur Sinclair, 4 Mar. 1823. 
R. B. Hitchcock, 1 Jan. 1825. 
C. H. A. H. Kennedy, 10 Feb. 1819. 
Thomas W. Brent, 1 Mar. 1825. 
Joseph Lanman, 1 Jan. 1825. 
John K. Mitchell, 1 Feb. 1825. 
Thomas Turner, 21 April 1825. 
Henry Moor, 1 Mar. 1825. 
Charles H. Poor, " 
J. Findlay Schenck, " 
Mathew F. Maury, 1 Feb. 1825. 
Timothy A. Hunt, 1 Mar. 1825. 
S. Wm. Godon, 1 Mar. 1819. 
James S. Palmer, 1 Jan. 1825. 
WiUiam Radford, 1 Mar. 1825. 
Samuel F. Hazard, 1 Jan. 1823. 
John M. Berrien, 1 Mar. 1825. 
George A. Prentice, " 
John C. Carter, 1 Jan. 1825. 
George Hurst, " 

Alfred Taylor, " 

Samuel P. Lee, 22 Nov. 1825. 
John P. Gillis, 12 Dec. 1825. 
Simon B. Bissell, 1 Mar. 1825. 
Samuel Swartwout, 10 May 1820. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

John J. Glasson, 1 Feb. 1823. 
Raphael Semmes, 1 April 1826. 
James F. Miller, 1 Nov. 1826. 
J. P. McKinstry, 1 Feb. 1826. ' 
Henry A. Steele, 1 Nov. 1826. 
Charles Heyvvood, " 

Ohver S. Ghsson, " 

John A. Dahlgren, 1 Feb. 1826. 
Stephen C. Row^an, " 

Edward R. Thomson, 1 Dec. 1826. 
J. T. McDonough, 1 April 1826. 
Guert Gansevoort, 4 Mar. 1823. 
Robert Handy, 1 Feb. 1826. 
Henry Darcantel, 1 April 1826. 
Charles Green, 1 May 1826. 
Edward L. Handy, 1 June 1826. 
Melancton Smith, 1 Mar. 1826. 
Wilham C. Chaplin, 1 Nov. 1826. 
Cicero Price, 1 Feb. 1826. 
J. R. Goldsborough, 6 Nov. 1824. 
Charles S. Boggs, 1 Nov. 1826. 
A. H. Kilty, 4 July 1821. 
WiUiam Chandler, 1 Aug. 1826. 
Theodore P. Green, 1 Nov. 1826. 
John R. Tucker, 1 June 1826. 
Richard W. Meade, 1 April 1826. 
Thomas J. Page, 1 Oct. 1827. 
George Minor, 1 April 1827. 
Percival Drayton, 1 Dec. 1827. 
Wilham P. Griffin, 1 Oct. 1827. 
Robert F. Pinckney, 1 Dec. 1827. 
Thomas R. Rootes, 1 Mar. 1827. 
Edward M. Yard, 1 Nov. 1827. 
James M. Gilliss, 1 Mar. 1827. 
Alexander Gibson, 1 July 1822. 
Wihiam S. Young, 1 Mar. 1827. 
Wm. W.Bleecker, 1 May 1827. 
Joseph F. Green, 1 Nov. 1827. 
John De Camp, 1 Oct. 1827. 
Bushrod W. Hunter, 1 Nov. 1827. 
C. W. Pickering, 1 May 1822. 



388 



APPENDIX, 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Overton Carr, 1 Mar. 1827. 
Luther Stoddard, 1 April 1827. 
Wm. M. Walker, 1 Nov. 1827. 
George R. Gray, 1 Nov. 1826. 
Robert E. Johnson, 1 Oct. 1827. 
John A. Winslow, 1 Feb. 1827. 
Ben. More Dove, 1 Dec. 1826. 
Bernard J. Moeller, 1 April 1827. 
Henry Walke, 1 Feb. 1827. 
Thornton A. Jenkins, 1 Nov. 1828. 
Joseph C. Walsh, " 

John Rodgei-s, 18 April 1828. 
John B. Marchand, 1 May 1828. 
Wm. Rogei-s Taylor, 1 April 1828. 
Henry J. Hartstene, " 
Benjamin F. Sands, " 

Henry French, 1 Jan. 1828. 
William Leigh, 1 Nov. 1828. 
Samuel Larkin, 1 April 1828. 
Henry S. Stellwagen, " 
James L. Henderson, 1 June 1828. 
Daniel B. Ridgely, 1 April 1828. 
John L. Ring, " 

William T. Muse, 1 June 1828. 
William H. Brovm, 1 Jan. 1828. 
Charles Steedman, 1 April 1828. 
Wm. Lewis Herndon, 1 Nov. 1828. 
John P. Parker, 1 April 1828. 
James Alden, " 

Augustas L. Case, " 
Roger Peny, 1 July 1828. 
Alex. M. Pennock, 1 April 1828. 
George F. Emmons, " 

Edward Middleton, 1 July 1828. 
Montgomery Lems, 1 Nov. 1828. 
George M. White, " 

Thomas T. Hunter,! July 1828. 
Albert A. Holcomb, 1 April 1828. 
Gustavus H. Scott, 1 Aug. 1828. 
Richard Fon-est, 1 Nov. 1828. 
Da\id McDougal, 1 April 1828. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Charles F. Mcintosh, 1 Nov. 1828. 
James W. Cooke, 1 April 1828. 
C. F. M. Spotswood, 1 Nov. 1828. 
Henry C. Flagg, 1 April 1828. 
Daniel F. Dulany, " 

George L. Selden, " 

William H. Ball, 
Charles C. Barton, 1 Dec. 1824. 
John J. B. Walbach, 1 Dec. 1827. 
Joshua Humphreys, 2 Feb. 1829. 
Stephen Decatur, 17 Mar. 1829. 
WiUiam L. Maury, 2 Feb. 1829. 
David D. Porter, " 

John J. Almy, " 

Edward C. Bowers, " 

O. H. Berryman, " 

Thomas A. Budd, " 

A. F. V. Gray, 15 Oct. 1829. 
Tunis A. M. Craven, 2 Oct. 1829. 
Dominick Lynch, " 

F. B. Renshaw, 1 Nov. 1828. 
H. N. Harrison, 1 April 1828. 
James H. North, 29 May, 1829. 
Robert E. Pegram, 2 Feb. 1829. 
Edward C. Ward, 
Edwin J. DeHaven, 2 Oct. 1829. 
Charies Thomas, 2 Feb. 1829. 
R. L. Tilghman, 27 Oct. 1830. 
James H. Strong, 2 Feb. 1829. 
J. M. Frailey, 1 May 1828. 
C. P. Patterson, 2 Sept. 1830. 

A. S. Baldwin, 2 Feb. 1829. 
E. T. Shubrick, 22 June 1829. 
W. B. Whiting, 2 Feb. 1829. 
Charies Hunter, 25 April 1831. 

B. F. Shattuck, 25 June 1831. 
Thomas M. Brasher, 6 June 1831. 
George T.Sinclair, 23 April 1831. 
John Mooney, 13 Dec. 1831. 
Samuel R. Knox, 1 April 1828. 
Enoch G. Parrott, 10 Dec. 1831. 



APPENDIX. 



389 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

R. WainwrigM, 11 May 1831. 
G. M. Totten, 5 May 1831. 
W. Decatur Hurst, 2 Feb. 1829. 
W. Ross Gardner, 29 Dec. 1831. 
W. B. Reushaw, 22 Dec. 1831. 
C. B. Poindexter, 16 Nov. 1831. 
H. T. Wingate, 13 Dec. 1831. 
AlonzoB. Davis, 25 April, 1831. 
Richard L. Love, 17 Sept. 1830. 
William Reynolds, 17 Nov. 1831. 
Lewis C. Sartori, 2 Feb. 1829. 
Edmund Lanier, 9 July 1831. 
Fabius Stanly, 20 Dec. 1831. 
Latham B. Avery, 19 Dec. 1831. 
James B. Lewis, 31 March 1831. 
G. W. Chapman, 20 Sept. 1832. 
W. P. McArthur, 11 Feb. 1832. 
W. S. Drayton, 16 July 1832. 
Simon F. Blunt, 7 Sept. 1831. 
W. Taylor Smith, 17 July 1832. 
William May, 2 May 1831. 
Henry H. Lewis, 1 May 1828. 
Joseph P. Sanford, 11 Feb. 1832. 
G. W. Harrison, 20 Jan. 1832. 
J. F. Armstrong, 7 March, 1832. 
Montgomery Hunt, 17 Jan. 1832. 
John Contee, 27 Oct. 1832. 
Joseph H. Adams, 8 Dec. 1831. 
William A, Parker, 3 July 1832. 
James D. Johnson, 30 Jime 1832. 
John N. Maffit, 25 Feb. 1832. 
W. Gwathmey, 21 July 1832. 
W. Rockendorff, 17 Feb. 1832. 
John Hall, 11 Jan. 1832. 
Francis Lowiy, 3 Aug. 1831. 
W. E. Leroy, 11 Jan. 1832. 
Maxwell WoodhuU, 4 June, 1832. 
Lafayette Maynard, 4 Feb. 1832. 
Roger M. Stembel, 27 Mar. 1832. 
G. Colvocoressis, 21 Feb. 1832. 
F. S. Haggerty, 17 Feb. 1832. 
Thomas Brownell, 30 Oct. 1840. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

J. R. M. MuUany, 8 Jan. 1832. 
James A. Doyle, 4 Jan. 1832. 
Mathias C. Marin, 3 Jan. 1832. 
W. A. Wayne, 27 April 1833. 
James S. Biddle, 18 Oct. 1833. 
C. R. P. Rodgers, 5 Oct. 183a. 
W. A. Bartlett, 22 Jan. 1833. 
Francis Winslow, 8 July, 1833. 
J. C. Wilhamson, 7 Jan. 1832. 
C. Vanalstine, 27 Feb. 1833. 
Albert G. Clary, 8 May 1832. 
George W. Doty, 4 Jan. 1833. 
George Wells, 18 Dec. 1833. 
Peter U. Murphey, 12 May 1831. 
John B. Randolph, 11 June, 1833. 
J. B, Carter, 31 Dec. 1833. 
H. P. Robertson, 28 June 1832. 
Isaac N. Brown, 15 March, 1834. 
Napoleon Collins, 12 Jan. 1834. 
John L. Worden, 10 Jan. 1834. 
W. L. Blanton, 2 Jan. 1834. 
Benjamin S. Gantt, 16 June, 1834. 
Henry A. Wise, 8 Feb. 1834. 
C. St. G. Noland, 16 June 1834. 
Reed Werden, 9 Jan. 1834. 
W. H. Macomb, 10 April 1834. 
S. D. Trenchard, 23 Oct. 1834. 
W. R. McKinney, 20 March 1834. 
A. Davis Harrell, 4 Jan. 1834. 
S. J. Shipley, 14 Jan. 1834. 
John J. Guthrie, 26 Feb. 1834. 
Mayo C. Watkins, 8 May 1834. 
M. B. Woolsey, 24 Sept. 1832. 
J. N. Barney, 30 June 1825. 
A. Murray, 22 Aug. 1835. 
E. Donaldson, 21 July 1835. 
S. Chase Barney, 28 June 1835. 
G. H. Preble, 10 Oct, 1835. 
T. B. Huger, 5 March 1835. 
Robert B. Riell, 2 Sept. 1835. 
M. C. Perry, 1 July 1825. 
C. S. McDonough, 8 April 1835. 



390 



APPENDIX, 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

J. D. Todd, 26 June 1835. 
Wilraev Shields, 19 Oct. 1835. 
C. E Fleming, 15 Jan. 1835. 
John Rutledge, 9 April 1835. 
John Q. Adams, 3 July 1825. 
Charles Deas, 15 Oct. 1835. 
W. C. B. S. Porter, 29 June 1835. 
T. M. Crossan, 1 July 1836. 
T. H. Stevens, 14 Dec. 1836. 
C. Ap R. Jones, 18 June 1836. 
James Blair, 8 Jan. 1836. 
T. H. Pattei-son, 5 April 1836. 
F. K. Murray, 29 April 1836. 
Silas Bent, 1 July 1836. 
John C. Howell, 9 June 1836. 
Edward Higgins, 23 Jan. 1836. 
W. E. Boudinot, 1 Feb. 1836. 
Van R. Morgan, 8 Dec. 1836. 
Madison Rush, 16 Oct. 1836. 
Daniel Ammen, 1 July 1836. 
Henry Rolando, 28 Dec. 1836. 
Andrew Weir, 6 July 1836. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

John S. Taylor, 14 Dec. 1836. 

J. H. Brown, 1 July 1836. 

E. F. Beale, 14 Dec. 1836. 

E. T. Nichols, 

J. P. Decatur, 31 Aug. 1836. 

E. L. Winder, 29 April 1836. 

John K. Duer, 28 Dec. 1836. 

Israel C. Wait, " 

J. H. Parker, 30 Dec. 1836. 

W. B. Muse, 1 July 1836. 

G-. W. Rodgei-s, 30 April 1836. 

A. McRae, 26 Jan. 1837. 

R. H. Wyman, 11 March 1837. 

E. A. Barnett, 24 June 1837. 
N. C. Bryant, 23 Dec. 1837. 
G. B. Balch, 30 Dec. 1837. 

J. M. Wainwright, 13 June 1837. 

F. A. Parker, 11 March 1837. 
I. G. Strain, 11 Dec. 1837. 

E. Thompson, 13 March 1837. 
R. Townsend, 4 Aug. 1837. 
J. S. Kennard, 10 March 1837. 



SURGEONS. (68) 



J. Cowdery, 1 Jan. 1800. 
W. P. C. Barton, 10 April 1809. 
T. Harris, 6 July 1812. 
Wilhara Turk, 15 May 1800. 
B. Washington, 9 May 1810. 
WiUiam Swift, 14 May 1813. 
Peter Christie, 8 July 1812. 
S. Jackson, 10 July 1812. 
T. Williamson, 13 May 1813. 
B. Ticknor, 10 Dec. 1814. 
J. Cornick, 11 Sept. 1819. 
Charles Chase, 10 Dec. 1814. 

D. S. Edwards, 30 July 1818. 
Isaac Hulse, 12 May 1823, 
.John S. Wily, 20 Dec. 1815. 
George Terrill, 28 Mar. 1820. 

E. L.DuBarry, 30 June 1823. 



Benjamin F. Bache, 9 July 1824. 
Thomas Dillard, 15 Nov. 1824. 
Stephen Rapalje, 30 June 1823. 
James M. Greene, 29 April 1825. 
Benjamin R. Tinslar, 1 Feb. 1823. 
George W. Cod wise, 14 May 1825. 
G. R^ B. Horner, 26 May 1826. 
W. S. W. Ruschenberger, 10 Aug. 

1826. 
Wm. Johnson, 16 Aug. 1826. 
Samuel Moseley, 17 Aug. 1826. 
Robert J. Dodd, 29 May 1826. 
Wm. Fairlie Patton, 17 Aug. 1826. 
William Whelan, 3 Jan. 1828. 
Samuel Barrington, " 

Thomas L. Smith, " 

George Blacknall, " 



APPENDIX. 



391 



Name, and Date of Entiy. 

Lewis B. Hunter, 3 Jan. 1828, 
George Clymer, 1 July 1829. 
Isaac BrinkerhofF, " 

W. Maxwell Wood, 16 May 1829. 
Jones W. Pluramer, 20 June 1829. 
G. B. McKnight, 16 May 1829. 
Solomon Sharp, 15 Sept. 1829. 
Daniel Egbert, 22 Aug. 1829. 
Amos G. Gambrill, 20 June 1829. 
W. A. W. Spotswood, 2 Dec. 1828. 
Jonathan M. Foltz, 4 April 1831. 
Edward Gilchrist, 26 Jan. 1832. 
John A. Lockwood, 8 Feb. 1832. 
Daniel C. McLeod, " 

Lewis W. Minor, " 

N. C. Barrabino, 28 Feb. 1833. 
Henry S. Kennolds, " 

M. G. Delaney, 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

W. F. McClenahan, 28 Feb. 1833. 

Wm. L. Van Horn, 4 April 1831. 

Daniel S. Green, 18 Oct. 1833. 

James C. Palmer, 26 Mar. 1834. 

Ninian Pinkney, " 

Robert T. Barry, 

David Harlan, 23 Feb. 1835. 

Robert Woodworth, " 

J. Dickinson Miller, 5 Dec. 1836. 

John L. Fox, 9 Feb. 1837. 

Chas. F. B. Guillou, " 

Augustus J. Bowie, " 

Joseph Beale, 6 Sept. 1837. 

S. Wilson Kellogg, " 

John T. Mason, " 

Charles D. Maxwell, " 

Edward J. Rutter, » 

John J. Abernethy, 9 Feb. 1837. 



PASSED ASSISTANT SURGEONS. (34) 



John B. Elliot, 20 May 1829. 

George Maulsby, 7 March 1838. 

William Grier, " 

J. Winthrop Taylor, " 

Wra. B. Sinclair, 20 June, 1838. 

Samuel Jackson, " 

J. Jeffray Brownlee, " 

S. A. McCreery, " 

J. McClelland,' 

J. S. Messersmith, 9 Feb. 1837. 

J. O'Conner Barclay, 17 Oct. 1839. 

James B. Gould, " 

C. H. Wheelwi-ight, 

Richard W. Jeffery, 

Thomas M. Potter, " 

S. Ridout Addison, 20 .June 1838. 

Wilham A. Nelson, 9 Dec. 1839. 



John H. Wright, 9 Dec. 1839. 
John Thornley, 13 Oct. 1840. 
Daniel L. Bryan, " 

Joseph Hopkinson, " 
A. A. Henderson, 8 Sept. 1841. 
R. T. Maxwell, 

J. F. Tuckerman, 25 Jan. 1842, 
Morris B. Beck, 2 Dec. 1841. 
Lewis J. Williams, 25 Jan. 1842. 
Marius Duvall, " 

William S. Bishop, 11 April 1843. 
Joseph Wilson, jr., 13 May 1843. 
Charles Eversfield, 29 May 1843. 
Elisha K. Kane, 21 July 1843. 
Edward Hudson, 11 Sept. 1843. 
Richard McSherry, 22 Nov. 1843. 
Robert E. Wall, 27 Nov. 1844. 



ASSISTANT SURGEONS. (44) 

E. H. Van Wyck, 20 June 1838, John L. Burtt, 30 May 1844. 



392 



APPENDIX, 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
James Hamilton, 22 July 1844. 
Charles H. Oakley, 2 Oct. 1844. 
Robert T. Maccoun, " 

William A. Harris, " 

W. Sherman, 25 April 1845. 
Henry 0. Mayo, 24 Feb. 1846. 
John Rudenstein, " 

R. F. Mason, 29 Aug. 1846. 
Philip Lansdale, 5 March 1847. 
Alexander J. Rice, " 
John A. Pettit, " 

Thomas B. Steele, " 
James F. Harrison, " 
A. Nelson Bell, » 

J. W.B.Greenhow, 24 April 1847. 
R. Farquharson, " 

E. R. Squibb, 26 April 1847. 
Benj. Rush Mitchell, " 
James S. Gilliam, " 
WilUam Lowber, 8 Nov. 1847. 
George H. Howell, " 



F. A. Thornton, 29 Jan. 1811. 
Edward Fitzgerald, 22 Mar. 1811. 
Samuel P. Todd, 20 July 1812. 
Joseph Wilson, 24 July 1813. 
Wm. Sinclair, 15 Nov. 1809. 
Joseph Terry, 6 June 1813. 
John de Bree, 29 Dec. 1817. 

J. N. Hambleton, 26 Oct. 1819. 

G. R. Barry, 15 Jan. 1824. 

D. Walker, 4 March 1819. 
Henry Etting, 1 Jan. 1818. 

F. B. Stockton, 11 March 1829. 
F. G. McCauley, 27 May 1829. 
B. J. Cahoone, 12 Nov. 1830. 
Sterrett Ramsey, 18 Nov. 1830. 

E. T. Dunn, 21 Feb. 1831. 
J. A. Bates, 2 March 1831. 
A. J. Watson, 1 May 1831. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Dinwiddle B. Philhps, 8 Nov. 1847. 
Ashton Miles, " 

Phineas J. Horwitz, " 
Alonzo A. F. Hill, 6 March 1848. 
Owen Jones Wister, " 
Wm. D. Harrison, 25 April 1848. 
John Ward, 28 April 1848. 
Wm. F. Carrington, 17 June 1848. 
Charies Martin, 5 Sept. 1848. 

F. M. Gunnell, 22 March 1849. 
James Suddards, 17 May 1849. 
Robert Carter, 2 June 1849. 

S. Allen Engles, 24 July 1849. 
Edward Shippen, 7 Aug. 1849. 
Gerard Alexander, 1 May 1850. 
Benj. Vreeland, 9 May 1850. 
Walter Hore, 23 July 1850. 
Richard B. Tunstall, 28 Aug. 1850. 

C. H. Wilhamson, 24 Sept. 1850. 
James F. Heustis, 30 Sept. 1850. 
Ai-thurM. Lynah, 12 Oct. 1850. 

(63) 

W. A. Bloodgood, 2 March 1821. 

D. Fauntleroy, 7 July 1834. 
T. M. Taylor, 3 Nov. 1834. 
A. E. Watson, 31 Aug. 1836. 
Joseph Bryan, 1 Sept. 1836. 
S. Forrest, 8 Oct. 1836. 
Robert Pettit, 6 April 1837. 
W. Speiden, 30 Aug. 1837. 
Horatio Bridge, 16 Feb. 1838. 

G. F. Sawyer, 20 March 1838. 
H. W. Greene, 28 Feb. 1839. 
T. B. Nalle, 17 Oct. 1839. 

P. T. McBlair, 11 Nov. 1839. 

J. D. Gibson, 8 June 1840. 

J. B. Rittenhouse, 21 July 1840. 

L. Warrington, jr., 13 Sept. 1841. 

G. H. White, 

H. M. Hieskell, « 



APPENDIX. 



393 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
W. A. Christian, 13 Sept. 1841. 
L. T. Waller, 

J. C. Douglass, 25 Sept. 1841. 
C. Murray, 31 March 1843. 
T. R. Ware, 28 June 1843. 
G. F. Cutter, 5 June 1844. 
J. A. Semple, 12 Oct. 1844. 
J. H. Watmough, 12 Dec. 1844. 
J. 0. Bradford, 14 March, 1845. 
J. Y. Mason, jr., 18 April 1845. 
J. G. Harris, 19 Aug. 1845. 
J. F. Steele, 29 Aug. 1845. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

E. C. Doran, 15 Sept. 1845. 
Aristides Welch, 27 June 1846. 
E. R. Reynolds, 16 Oct. 1846. 
L. D. Slamm, 30 Nov. 1846. 
J. Van B. Bleecker, 16 Jan. 1847. 
J. C. Eldredge, 2 Feb. 1847. 
C. Anderson, 29 Feb. 1848. 
R. T. Allison, 30 Oct. 1849. 
Nixon White, 13 Nov. 1849. 
J. J. Jones, 21 Nov. 1849. 
J. Tattnall, jr., 28 June, 1850. 
J. Johnston, 28 Aug. 1850. 



CHAPLAINS. (23) 



John W. Grier, 3 March, 1825. 
C. S. Stewart, 1 Nov. 1828. 
T. J. Harrison, 2 Oct. 1829. 
Walter Colton, 6 Nov. 1830. 
-George Jones, 20 April 1833. 
T. R. Lambert, 31 Dec. 1833. 
Peter G. Clark, 3 Oct. 1838. 
Rodman Lewis, 13 March 1839. 
F. W. Taylor, 23 April 1841. 
M. R. Talbot, 8 Sept. 1841. 
Moses B. Chase, " 
Chester Newell, " 



- T. B. Bartow, 8 Sept. 1841, 
J. Stockbridge, " 
W. McKenney, " 
Photius Fisk, 14 March 1842. 
-J. W. Newton, 30 May 1844. 
Nathaniel Frost, 5 Oct. 1844. 
T. C. Stanley, 27 Feb. 1847. 
Edwin Eaton, " 

J. L. Lenhart, " 

John Blake, " 

E. C. Bittinger, 30 Sept. 1850. 



PROFESSORS OF MATHEMATICS. (12) 



J. H. C. Coffin, August 14, 1848. 
A. G. Pendleton, " 

Mordecai Yarnall, " 
W. B. Benedict, " 

M. H. Beecher, « 

H. H. Lockwood, " 



WiUiam Flye, August 14, 1848. 
W. Chauvenet, " 

James Major, " 

J. S. Hubbard, " 

Ruel Keith, « 

Ai-sene N. Girault, " 



J. Wilkinson, 25 June 1850. 
John Guest, 16 July 1850. 
D. McN. Fau-fax, 4 Aug. 1850, 
Henry Rodgei-s, 7 Aug. 1850. 



MASTERS IN THE LINE OF PROMOTION, (ll) 

J. M. B. Clitz, 16 Aug. 1850. 
John D. Read, 17 Sept. 1850. 
C. Benham, 21 Sept. 1850. 
W. H. Thompson, 27 Sept. 1850, 



394 



APPENDIX, 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
Jotn F. Abbott, 3 Oct. 1850. 
G. H. Cooper, 11 Oct. 1850. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
B. N. Westcott, 18 Oct. 1850. 



PASSED MIDSHIPMEN (233). 



Samuel Pearce, 30 March 1833. 
W. W. Pollock, 30 June 1837. 
J. F. Stenson, 15 Dec. 1837. 
Andrew Bryson, 1 Dec. 1837. 
J. Downes, jr., 4 Sept. 1837. 
C. M. Morris, 15 Dec. 1837. 
A. J. Drake, 5 Dec. 1837. 
J. H. Spotts, 2 Aug. 1837. 
J. M. Duncan, 8 Dec. 1837. 
L. Gibbon, 22 Dec. 1837. 
S. Marcy, 16 March 1838. 
J. P. Bankhead, 10 Aug. 1838. 
J. W. A. Nicholson, 10 Feb. 1838. 
T. G. Corbin, 15 May 1838. 
G. V. Fox, 12 Jan. 1838. 
J. Matthews, 22 Feb. 1838. 
J. C. Beaumont, 1 March 1838. 
C. H. B. Caldwell, 27 Feb. 1838. 
C. M. Fauntleroy, 3 March 1838. 
W. B. Fitzgerald, 30 Jan. 1838. 
M. K. Warrington, " 
H. K. Davenport, 19 Feb. 1828. 
N. B. Harrison, 27 Feb. 1838. 
J. H. Moore, 10 Feb. 1838. 
S. Edwards, 9 March 1838. 

C. W. Place, 10 Feb. 1838. 
Alphonse Barbot, 26 Feb. 1838. 
Albert N. Smith, 26 Oct. 1838. 
W. H. Hudson, 16 July 1838. 
J. C. Febiger, 4 Sept. 1838. 

D. R. Lambert, 16 Feb. 1838. 
H. S. Newcomb, 21 July 1838. 
J. S. Maury, 10 Feb. 1838. 

P. Crosby, 5 June 1838. 
R. T. Renshaw, 26 Feb. 1838. 
C. W. Hays, 12 March 1838. 
J. B. Creighton, 10 Feb. 1838. 



A. K. Hughes, 20 Oct. 1838. 
E. R. Calhoun, 1 April 1839. 
J. D. Bulloch, 21 June 1839. 
C. H.Baldwin, 24 April 1839. 
R. W. Shufeldt, 11 May 1839. 
H. K. Stevens, 2 March 1839. 
Abner Read, " 

A. C. Rhind, 3 Sept. 1838. 
Richard M. Ciayler, 28 Nov. 1839. 
G. M. Ransom, 25 July 1839. 
W. F. Spicer, 21 June 1839. 
W. W. Roberts, 2 March 1839. 
R.Fairfax, 28 May 1839. 
S. Nicholson, 21 June, 1839. 
W. A. Webb, 26 Jan. 1838. 
John Stuart, 21 June 1839. 
Joseph S.Day, 16 March, 1839. 
M. Simons, 10 Dec. 1839. 
W. E. Hopkins, 13 Nov. 1839. 
Paul Shirley, 25 July 1839. 
C. C. Simms, 9 Oct. 1839. 
R. C. Rogers, 14 Oct. 1839. 
H. T. N. Arnold, 13 March 1839. 
T. Pattison, 2 March 1839. 
W. W. Bassett, 9 March 1838. 
Julian Myers, 2 March 1839. 
J. Higgins, 13 March 1839. 
J. S. Bohrer, 31 Dec. 1839. 
R. Auhck, 19 Oct. 1840. 
R. A. Marr, 29 April 1840. 
W. N. Jeffers, jr., 25 Sept. 1840. 
W. D. Austin, 3 Nov. 1840. 
E. Brinley, jr., 14 Sept. 1840. 
E.Simpson, 11 Feb. 1840. 
W. G. Temple, 18 April 1840. 
G. P. Welsh, 14 Sept. 1840. 
S. P. Carter, 14 Feb. 1840. 



APPENDIX. 



395 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

W. Nelson, 28 Jan. 1840. 
W. H. Smith, 31 July 1840. 
R. M. McArann, 12 May 1840. 
Charles W. Aby, 8 Feb. 1840. 

E. C. Stout, 18 Feb. 1840. 
R. Harris, 25 Jan. 1840. 
John Walcutt, 2 March 1840. 
J. B. McCauley, 8 Feb. 1840. 
T. S. Phelps, 17 Jan. 1840. 
J. Madigan, jr., 19 Feb. 1840. 
A. F. Warley, 17 Feb. 1840. 

G. V. Denniston, 10 March 1840. 
L. Paulding, 19 Dec. 1840. 
G. A. Stevens, 13 May 1840. 

F. S. Conover, 11 May 1840. 
S.B.Elliott, 20 Aug. 1838. 

F. Gregory, 23 May 1840. 
E. Barrett, 3 Nov. 1840. 
C. Terrett, 3 Jan. 1840. 

J. W. Bennett, 10 Feb. 1840. 
P. Wager, jr., 12 Feb. 1840. 
J. P. Hall, 29 Dec. 1840. 
H. C. Blake, 2 March 1840. 

C. H. Wells, 25 Sept. 1840. 

S. P. Quackenbush, 15 Feb. 1840. 
Earl English, 25 Feb. 1840. 

D. Ochiltree, 21 June, 1839. 
J. M. Bradford, 10 Jan. 1840. 
R. B. Lowry, 31 Jan. 1840. 
J. H. Carter, 12 March 1840. 
J. Wilkes, jr., 9 Sept. 1841. 
W. H. Parker, 19 Oct. 1841. 
A. C. Jackson, 23 Feb. 1841. 
W. De Koven, 9 Sept. 1841. 
J. P. Jones, 19 Oct. 1841. 
W. P. Buckner, 9 Sept. 1841. 

G. E. Morgan, 18 Feb. 1841. 
W. W. Low, 3 March 1841. 
W.K. Bridge, 14 Jan. 1841. 
S. P. Griffin, 9 Sept. 1841. 
R. L. Law, 17 Feb. 1841. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

W. H. Wilcox, 30 Jan. 1841. 

E. D. Denny, 17 Sept. 1841. 
J. T. Barraud, 20 Sept. 1841. 
T. Roney, 3 March 1841. 

J. H. Upshur, 4 Nov. 1841. 
J. Van N. Philip, 25 Nov. 1841, 
S. R. Franklin, 18 Feb. 1841. 
M. J. Smith, 9 Oct. 1841. 
J.J. Hanson, 21 Sept. 1841. 

F. G. Clark, 19 Oct. 1841. 
R.J. D.Price, 9 Sept. 1841. 
W. V. Gilhss, 27 Oct. 1841. 
W. D. Whiting, 1 March 1841. 
W. L. Powell, 20 Sept. 1841. 
S. L. Phelps, 10 Oct. 1841. 

E. Y. McCauley, 9 Sept. 1841. 
T. L. Walker, 10 Sept. 1841. 
W. Mitchell, 24 Sept. 1841. 

F. A.Roe, 19 Oct. 1841. 
J. B. Smith, 19 Oct. 1841. 

W. H. Murdaugh, 9 Sept. 1841. 

J. M. Brooke, 3 March 1841. 

W. Gibson, 11 Feb. 1841. 

J.J. Cook, 19 Oct. 1841. 

J. Armstrong, 9 Sept. 1842. 

E. Renshaw, 4 Nov. 1841. 

J. D. Danels, 19 Oct. 1841. 

C. Latimer, 9 Sept. 1841. 

J. T. Walker, 18 Feb. 1841. 

J. C. P. De Krafft, 19 Oct. 1841. 

J. Van McCollum, 26 Feb. 1841. 

John E. Hart, 23 Feb. 1841. 

Oscar C. Badger, 9 Sept. 1841. 

T. C. Harris, 

John Kell, 

J. L. Davis, 9 Jan. 1841. 

J. H. March, 19 Oct. 1841. 

W. H. Weaver, 

A. A. Semmes, 17 Oct. 1841. 

J. B. Stewart, 9 Sept. 1841. 

M. P. Jones, " 



396 



APPENDIX. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Watson Smith, 19 Oct. 1841. 
A. M. De Bree, " 

J. E. De Haven, » 

E. A. Selden, « 

A. W. Habersham, 3 March 1841. 
W. CI. Hoffman, 19 Oct. 1841. 
J. McL. Murphy, 18 Feb. 1841. 
W. T. Truxtun, 9 Feb. 1841. 
S. K. Wilson, 3 March 1841. 
J. L. Friend, 27 Oct. 1841. 
Greenleaf Cilley, 26 Feb. 1841. 
H. N. Crabb, 19 Oct. 1841. 
S. Magaw, 23 Nov. 1841. 
J. H. Rochelle, 9 Sept. 1841. 
R. D. Minor, 26 Feb. 1841. 
W. C. West, 30 Jan. 1841. 
N. H. Van Zandt, 19 Oct. 1841. 

C. W. Woolley, 30 Nov. 1841. 
S. S. Basset, 10 Sept. 1841. 

A. F. Monroe, 3 March 1841. 
N. T. West, 18 Feb. 1841. 
R. C. Duvall, 19 Oct. 1841. 

D. P. McCorkle, 21 Sept. 1841. 
W. Reily, 9 Feb. 1841. 

C. F. Hopkins, 19 Oct. 1841. 

G. H. Hare, 10 Oct. 1841. 

W. F. Jones, 20 Sept. 1841. 

H. C. Hunter, 10 Sept. 1841. 

S. J. Bhss, 19 Oct. 1841. 

W. W. Holmes, 21 Sept. 1841. 

W. Sharp, 9 Sept. 1841. 

J. I. Waddle, 10 Sept. 1841. 

W. M. Gamble, 1 March, 1841. 

J.Young, 19 Oct. 1841. 

T. W. Brodhead, 3 March 1841. 

W. K. Mayo, 18 Oct. 1841. 

T. Young, 27 Oct. 1841. 

W. O. Grain, " 

A. T. Byrens, 26 Feb. 1841. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

J. E. Jouell, 10 Sept. 1841. 

T. L. Fillebro'vvn, 19 Oct. 1841. 

J. Fry, 15 Sept. 1841. 

L. H. Lyne, 10 Sept. 1841. 

E. C. Grafton, 5 Oct. 1841. 

M. Haxtun, 19 Oct. 1841. 

R. Selden, 9 Sept. 1841. 

W. W. Wilkinson, 4 Nov. 1841. 

A. Allmand, 10 Sept. 1841. 

Robert Stuart, 19 Oct. 1841. 

E. Shepherd, 

T. Lee, 9 Sept. 1841. 

G. H. Bier, 19 Oct. 1841. 

P. G. Watmough, 20 Sept. 1841. 

G. W. Young, 19 Oct. 1841. 

W. Van Wyck, 

J. H. Russell, 10 Sept. 1841. 

E. E. Stone, 9 Oct. 1841. 

T. C. Eaton, 9 Sept. 1841. 

W. R. Mercer, 8 Dec. 1841. 

D. Phenix, 30 Sept. 1841. 
R. F. R. Lewis, 19 Oct. 1841. 
C. P. McGary, 

H. St. G. Hunter, 19 Nov. 1841. 
H. Davidson, 29 Oct. 1841. 
A. W. Johnson, 10 Oct. 1841. . 
S. B. Luce, 19 Oct. 1841. 
G. T. Simes, 

Jeffei-son Maury, 9 Sept. 1841. 
Dulany A. Forrest, 3 March 1841. 
C. Gray, 19 Oct. 1841. 
G. Harrison, 27 Oct. 1841. 
R. W. Scott, 9 Sept. 1841. 
R. R. Carter, 30 March 1842. 
A. McLane, 24 May, 1842. 

E. W. Henry, 7 April 1842. 
J. D. Langhorne, 6 July 1842. 
J. A. Seawell, 2 July, 1842. 



APPENDIX. 



397 



MIDSHIPMEN. (I7l) 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Adams, John, 5 Sept. 1845. 
Allen, Oliver P., 28 Sept. 1846. 
Abbot, Trevett, 13 Oct. 1848. 
Abbott, William A., " 
Armstrong, W. McN.,20 Nov. 1 848. 
* Adams, ji-., H. A., 16 Oct. 1849. 
*Armstrong, ^neas, 2 Oct. 1850. 
*Ai-nold, Thomas, 11 Nov. 1850. 
Breese, J. Lewis, 14 May 1846. 
Braine, Daniel L., 30 May 1846, 
Brodhead, Edgar, 9 July 1846. 
Breese, K. R., 6 Nov. 1846. 
Baker, John P., 11 Feb. 1847. 
Brose, Fred. F., 9 Sept. 1847. 
Blake, J. D., 

Belknap, G. E., 7 Oct. 1847. 
Benham, A. E. K., 24 Nov. 1847. 
Bowen, R. T., 24 Dec. 1847. 
Bruce, J., 12 Oct. 1848. 
Baker, F. H., " 
Brintnall, J. P., 21 Dec. 1848. 
Brown, G., 5 Feb. 1849. 
*Boardman, F. A., 20 Oct. 1849. 
*Boyd, jr., R., 14 Jan. 1850. 
*Beardslee, L. A., 5 March 1850. 
*Babcock, C. A., 8 April 1850. 
*Baber, G. F. B., 24 April 1850. 
*Bacon, G., 1 Oct. 1850. 
*Bradford, W. L., " 
*Bowen, R. J., 20 Nov. 1850. 
Chandler, R., 27 Sept. 1845. 
Games, E. O., 24 June, 1846. 
Cornwell, J. J., 1 Feb. 1847. 
*Cannon, C. C, 7 April, 1847. 
Chapman, R. T., " 

Cummings, A. B., " 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Caldwell, R. M., 9 Sept. 1847. 
Chapman, G. H., " 

Campbell, W. P. A., 14 Dec. 1847. 
Carter, C, 12 Oct. 1848. 
Coddington, E. F., " 
*Cushman, C. H., 24 March 1849. 
*Cheever, W. H., 19 Oct. 1849. 
*CampbelI, M. C, 4 Feb. 1850. 
*Carpenter, C. C, 1 Oct. 1850. 
*Carroll, F., 4 Oct. 1850. 
*Chaplin, J. C, " 
*Cooper, R. F., 25 Oct. 1850. 
Dallas, A. J., 24 March 1845. 
Davis, A. McF., 16 March 1849. 
Dunnington, J. W., 10 April 1849. 
*Dozier, W. G., 1 April, 1850. 
*Dawson, L. W., 27 April 1850. 
*Dana, W. H., 1 May 1850. 
*Dodge, G. P. 1 Oct. 1850. 
Eggleston, J. R., 2 Aug. 1847. 
Erben, jr., H., 17 June 1848. 
Foster, J. P., 14 May 1846. 
Flusser, C. W., 19 July, 1847. 
Fyffe, J. P., 9 Sept. 1847. 
Fitzhugh, W. E., 20 Nov. 1848. 
*Foster, R. C, 1 Oct. 1850. 
Grundy, F., 21 Oct. 1845. 
Gray, E. F., 8 April 1846. 
Gherardi, B., 29 Jime 1846. 
Gwin, W., 7 April 1847. 
Greer, J. A., 10 Jan. 1848. 
Glassell, W. T., 15 March 1848. 
Greene, C. H., 13 May 1848. 
Gillis, J. H., 12 Oct. 1848. ' 
Gayle, R. H., 13 Oct. 1848. 
Garland, H. M., 20 Nov. 1848. 



* Those Midshipmen whose names are marked with an asterisk [*] have not yet 
received their warrants. 



398 



APPENDIX. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
Houston, T. T., 26 Aug. 1845. 
Hamilton, J. R., 8 Sept. 1845. 
Harmony, D. B., 1 April, 184Y. 
Hand, B. E., 

Hand, G. D., 9 Sept. 1847. 
Haralson, C. L., 10 Sept. 1847. 
Hammond, C. L. 0., 8 Nov. 1847. 
Heileman, J. G., 10 March 1848. 
Hester, I. W., 12 Oct. 1848. 
Hodges, J. B., 13 Oct. 1848. 
*Hawley, C. E., 3 Dec. 1849. 
*Harrison, G. R., 2 Oct. 1850. 
Irwin, John, 9 Sept. 1847. 
*Izard, A. C, 2 Oct. 1850. 
Johnston, 0. F., 14 Aug. 1846. 
Johnson, jr., P. C, 31 Aug. 1846. 
Johnston, J. E., 9 Aug. 1848. 
Kennon, B., 22 Aug. 1846. 
Kimberly, L. A., 8 Dec. 1846. 
*Kirkland, W. A., 2 July 1850. 
Law, L. R., 5 Feb. 1838. 
Lynch, D. H., 6 Nov. 1846. 
Looker, T. H., 

Laughhn, J. J., 1 May 1847. 
Lovell, W. S., 8 Nov. 1847. 
Livingston, De G., 7 March 1848. 
Lagow, J. K., 31 March 1848. 
Legare, J. D., 26 Dec. 1848. 
Loyall, B. P., 5 March 1849. 
*Little, W. A., 8 April 1850. 
McGunnegle, W., 10 Dec. 1845. 
Maffitt, W. H., 30 May 1846. 
Morris, G. U., 14 Aug. 1846. 
Mygatt, J. P. K., 24 Sept. 1847. 
Maxwell, J. G., 15 Dec. 1847. 
McThorne, H., 18 April 1848. 
Means, E. J., 12 Oct. 1848. 
McCann, W. P., 1 Nov. 1848. 
Mish, S. C, 8 Jan. 1849. 
*McCrea, E. P., 16 Oct. 1849. 
*May, R. L., 7 Nov. 1847. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
*McLanahan, J. W., 2 Oct. 1850. 
*Mitchell, J. G., 
*Meade, jr., R. W., 
^McCartney, A. J., 3 Oct. 1850. 
*McEntee, 4 Oct. 1850. 
*Mathis, G. M., 7 Oct. 1850. 
Newman, L. H., 24 Sept. 1847. 
Oakley, E. H., 2 Aug. 1847. 
Owen, E. K., 7 Dec. 1848. 
*Offley, R. H., 19 Oct. 1850. 
Parker, jr., J., 14 Nov. 1846. 
Palmer, M. E., 23 March, 1848. 
Pendergrast, A., 14 Oct. 1848. 
Pelot, T. P., 2 June 1849. 
*Potter, E. C, 5 Feb. 1 850. 
*Pearce, W., 1 Oct. 1850. 
*Peck, C. F., 3 Oct. 1850. 
Quackenbush, J. N., 24 Sep. 1847. 
Rainey, J. D., 19 March 1846. 
Rowan, jr., J. H., 8 Nov. 1847. 
*Roche, J. R. 30 May 1850. 
*Ramsay, F. M., 5 Oct. 1850. 
*Riley, B. J., 27 Dec. 1850. 
Smith, W. H., 16 Oct. 1845. 
Sproston, J. G., 15 July 1846. 
Smith, C. B., 30 Nov. 1 846. 
Stillwell, J., 9 Sept. 1847. 
Spaulding, R., 12 Oct. 1848. 
Skerrett, J. S., " 

Sulhvan, S. C, 

Spedden, E. T., 20 Nov. 1848. 
Shubrick, E. R., 9 Feb. 1849. 
Shirk, J. W., 26 March 1849. 
*Stockton, E. C, 16 Oct. 1849. 
*Shepperd, F. E., 
*Stanton, 0. F., 29 Dec. 1849. 
*Sparks, C. D., 18 April 1850. 
^Stephens, D. H., 1 Oct. 1850. 
*Shields, W. B., 2 Oct. 1850. 
*Sumner, E. E., " 
*Smith, W. H., 3 Oct. 1850. 



APPENDIX 



399 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Thorburn, C. K, 9 Sept. 184'7. 
Totten, W., 9 Nov. 1847. 
Toon, W. H., 21 April 1848. 
Taylor, B.B., 3 April 1849. 
*Thomas, C. F., 16 Oct. 1849. 
*Taylor, jr., J., 6 Dec. 1849. 
Watters, J., 12 Feb. 1846. 
"Wood, J. T., 7 April 1847. 
Ward, W. H., 



A. Ford, 28 March 1810. 

A. B. Bloodgood, 25 June 1812. 

R. Knox, 20 July 1812. 

W. Vaughan, 22 Aug. 1812. 

F. Mallaby, 22 Sept. 1812. 

J. Ferguson, 22 May 1800. 

A. Cunningham, 15 Nov. 1815. 

J. Robinson, 27 Nov. 1815. 

John Quin, 1 Nov. 1816. 

N. A. Prentiss, 18 June 1812. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

Williams, E. P., 9 Sept. 1847. 
Wilson, H., 22 Oct. 1847. 
Weaver, A. W., 10 May 1848. 
Walker, J. C, 12 Feb. 1849. 
Ward, W. IL, 17 Feb. 1849. 
*Wishart, A., 2 Oct. 1850. 
*Winiams, W., 4 Oct. 1850. 
*Walker, J. G., 5 Oct. 1850. 

■(19) 

F. W. Moores, 19 May 1827. 
H. A. F. Young, 16 May 1829. 
M. Clear, 28 Dec. 1839. 
C. V.Morris, 1 Jan. 1818. 
W.Brady, 7 Sept. 1836. 
S. C. Reid, 3 July 1843. 
R. C. Jones, 4 March, 1823. 
J. Pearson, 7 June, 1844. 
J. W. West, 3 Nov. 1818. 



SECOND MASTERS. (3) 

W. H. Morse, 1 July 1839. E. F. Olmstead, 28 June, 1843. 

W. H. Burns, 11 May 1842. 

master's mates. (3) 

Adam Young, 29 Sept. 1840. J. W. W. Dyes, 18 March 1843, 

J. T. Power, 1 Nov. 1840. 



BOATSWAINS. (43) 



E. Crocker, 16 June 1828. 
John Morris, 28 Oct. 1828. 
L. Gallagher, 15 Nov. 1828. 
W. Hart, 2 Dec. 1831. 
W. Black, 20 March 1835. 
W. Waters, 8 Dec. 1835. 
Van R. Hall, 15 Nov. 1847. 
John Mills, 16 Jan. 1838. 
*W. Whitehead, 5 May 1838. 



T. G. Bell, 18 June 1838. 
W. Smith, 2 Aug. 1838. 
C. Johnson, 21 May 1839. 
S. Drew, 26 July, 1839. 
J. Lewis, 6 Sept. 1839. 
J. Munro, 14 Jan. 1850. 
E. Cavendy, 8 April 1840. 
R. Simpson, 8 Dec. 1840. 
G. Wilrauth, 16 Sept. 1841. 



400 



APPENDIX, 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
John Dunderdale, 5 May 1838. 
John Featherson, 7 Dec. 1841. 
A. Hingerty, 27 Jan. 1842. 
R. Dixon, 5 Feb. 1 842. 
R. Whitaker, 27 Dec. 1834. 
M. Hall, 18 April 1842. 
G. Williams, 11 July 1842. 
John Bates, 20 Oct. 1845. 
G. Smith, 

A. Colson, 26 March 1842. 
J. J. Yoixng, 5 April 1847. 
H. Brooks, 20 May 1847. 
*M. Hall, 11 June 1847. 



GUNNERS. 



G. Marshall, 15 July 1809. 
John Blight, 3 May 1821. 
Asa Curtis, 1 March 1825. 
W. H. Brown, 9 Dec. 1825. 
A. S. Lewis, 27 Sept. 1834. 
S. G. City, 19 May 1832. 
T. Robinson, 18 Nov. 1835. 
J. Myrick, 13 June 1836. 
G. Newman, 6 Sept. 1836. 

A. A. Peterson, 25 Oct. 1836. 

D. James, 10 Jime 1837. 

J. M. Cooper, 20 June 1837. 
W. Burton, 26 July 1837. 
R. F. Dunn, 1 Nov. 1837. 
J. Clapham, 15 Nov. 1837. 
W. Craig, 20 Jan. 1838. 
John Martin, 31 March 1832. 

E. Whiton, 13 April 1838. 

B. Bunker, 21 Nov. 1838. 
G. Sirian, 17 June 1841. 
John Caulk, 2 Sept. 1841. 
S. Allen, 3 Dec. 1841. 
John Owins, 7 March 1842. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
J. Crosby, 8 Feb. 1848. 
W. Whiting, 19 Feb. 1848. 
*C. Woodland, 27 June 1848. 
Z. Whitmarsh, jr., 3 Feb. 1849. 
J, Burrows, 4 Dec. 1849. 
*W. Burditt, 7 Jan. 1850. 
*F. A. Ohver, 28 May 1850. 
*John Stout, 24 July 1850. 
*C. Smith, 

*S. Fosdick, 6 Sept. 1850. 
*R. FoUins, 15 Nov. 1850. 
*T. S. Buxton, 19 Nov. 2850. 

■ (46) 

S. M. Beck with, 14 March 1843. 
A. A. Randall, 29 Aug. 1843. 

D. Rankin, 19 March 1844. 
T. M. Crooker, 3 March 1841. 
W. Arnold, 21 April 1845. 
D. Douglass,26 May 1845. 
*E. Haskell, 13 Sept. 1845. 
J, C. Ritter, 18 Sept. 1845. 
C.B.Oliver, 3 May 1843. 

*T. P. Venable, 19 March 1847. 
J. M. Ballard, 14 June 1842. 
*W. Burniece, 20 Dec. 1847. 
J. C. Davis, 

*F. Dawson, 20 March 1848. 
*W. W. Fisher, 16 Nov. 1848. 
A. F. Thompson, 3 March 1849. 

*J. D. Brandt, 7 July 1849. 

E. Mack, 10 Sept. 1849. 

*R. M. Stocking, 22 Dec. 1849. 
*W. H. Hamilton, 15 June 1850. 
*E. C. Hine, 3 Aug. 1850. 
*J. Hutchinson, 19 Sept. 1850. 
*H. Robinson, 11 Nov. 1850. 



CARPENTERS. (45) 

J. Southwick, 21 Dec. 1826. W. E. Sheffield, 8 AprU 1820. 



APPENDIX 



401 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

R Sagee, 13 April 1831. 

P. Dee, 9 May 1832. 

J. Green, 23 Jan. 1833. 

J. Cox, 29 May 1834. 

W. M. Laighton, 29 Sept. 1836. 

H. P. Leslie, 15 Oct. 1833. 

J. Rainbow, 10 June 1837. 

J. Cahill, 8 July 1837. 

F. M. Cecil, 19 Feb. 1838. 
C. Jordan, 24 April 1838. 
J. Dibble, 16 June 1838. 
A. Chick, 14 July 1838. 
W. Knight, 17 July 1839. 
J. Meads, 27 Jan. 1840. 

W. D, Jenkins, 24 March 1840. 
J. McDonnell, 21 Oct. 1840. 
H. Lindsay, 4 Nov. 1840. 
William Lee, 31 May 1841. 
J. 0. Butler, 18 Sept. 1835. 
E. W. Barnicoat, 17 Dec. 1841. 

G. Wisner, 30 Dec. 1841. 
C. Bordman, 23 Aug. 1833. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

L. Manson, 9 May 1842. 
H. G. Thomas, 10 Feb. 1844. 
M. M. Dodd, 18 June 1845. 
J. G. Thomas, 16 March 1847. 
H. M. Lowry, 26 March 1847. 
*C. W. Babbit, 2 July 1847. 
N. Mager, 9 July 1847. 
Daniel Jones, 9 Dec. 1847. 
A. Poinsett, 11 Dec. 1847. 
*D. James, 8 Feb. 1848. 
G. W. Elhott, 15 Aug. 1848. 
J. Linn, 31 Oct. 1848. 
*L. Holmes, 14 Dec. 1848. 
W. F. Laighton, 7 April 184^, 
*R. M. Bain, 3 July 1849. 
E. Thompson, 16 Nov. 1849. 
*J. T. Rustic, 8 Nov. 1849. 
*T. C. Ferrall, 31 May 1850. 
*L. Moses, 6 July 1850. 
*R. Leach, 22 Oct. 1850. 
*J. Jarvis, 21 Nov. 1850. 



SAILMAKERS. (37) 



J. R. Childs, 8 June 1822. 
W.Ryan, 18 Sept. 1827. 
J. G. Gallagher, 27 Nov. 1829. 
R. Van Voorhis, 8 Feb. 1834. 
M. Weeden, ]9 Aug. 1834. 
G. Thomas, 19 Dec. 1834. 
J. Ferguson, 24 Feb. 1835. 
John Joins, 26 Sept. 1837. 
B. B. Burchsted, 28 April 1838. 
I. D. Freeman, 9 July 1838. 
W. Bennett, 23 Aug. 1833. 
John Peed, 8 April 1840. 
R. C. Rodman, 28 April 1840. 
G. T. Lozier, 30 Oct. 1840. 
G. Parker, 17 Oct. 1840. 
E. Middleton, 15 July 1841. 
J. Frazer, 11 Dec. 1841. 



G. T. Blackford, 19 Feb. 1838, 
J.Stephens, 30 Sept. 1844. 
D. Bruce, 25 Oct. 1844. 
*R. Hunter, 12 July 1845. 
S. Seaman, 22 April 1846. 
T. J. Griffin, 13 May 1846. 
J. C. Bradford, 21 July 1846. 
W. B. Fugitt, 29 Jan. 1848. 
J. A. Birdsall, 7 March 1848. 
*S. Tatem, 30 March 1848. 
L. Rogers, 12 June 1848. 
*C. T. Frost, 10 Aug. 1848. 
H. W. Frankland, 2 Nov. 1848. 
J. J. Stanford, 4 Nov. 1848. 
*W. N. Maull, 18 Jan. 1849. 
*J. W. North, 3 July 1849. 
*T. Tatem, 10 Sept. 1 849. 



26 



402 



APPENDIX. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
*H. T. Stocker, 1 July 1850. 
*W. H. Mahoney, 15 Nov, 1850. 



Colonel Commandant. 
A. Henderson, 4 June 1806. 
General Staff. 

P. Gr. Howie, Adft and Inspector^ 
■with the rank of Major, 1 March 
1815. 

G. W. Walker, Paymaster, with 
the rank of Major, 10 June 
181V. 

A. A. Nicholson, Quarter Master, 
with the rank of Major, 28 Mar. 
1820. 

G. F. Lindsay, Assistant Quarter 
Master, with the rank of Cap- 
tain, 1 Ajiril 1823. 

Lieutenant Colonel, 

S. Miller, 1 June 1808. 

Majors. (4) 

J. Harris, 13 April 1814. 
T. A.Linton, 28 Feb. 1813. 
J. Edelin, 1 Mar. 1815. 
W. Dulany, 10 June 1817. 

Captains. (16) 

T. S. English, 10 June 1817. 
W. Marston, 3 March 1819. 



Name, and Date of Entry. 
*T. C.Herbert, 15 June 1842. 



CORPS. 

B. Macomber, 28 March 1820. 

A. N. Brevoort, " 

R. Douglas, 7 May 1822. 

J. G. Williams, " 

H. B. Tyler, 3 March 1823. 

J. L. C. Hardy, " 

J. G. Reynolds, 26 May 1824. 

F. C. Hall, 5 July 1825. 

G. H. Terrett, 1 April 1830. 
W. E. Stark, 8 July 1831. 

N. S. Waldron, 23 Sept. 1831. 
J. Zeilin, 1 Oct. 1831. 

D. D. Baker, 20 Oct. 1832. 

A. H. Gillespie, " 

First Lieutenants. (23) 

B. E. Brooke, 8 July 1833. ^ 
J. C. Rich, 12 June 1834. 

A. Garland, 17 Oct. 1834. 
F. B. iMcNeill, " 

E. L. West, 

R. C. Caldwell, " 

W. L. Young, 23 Feb. 1835. 

J. Watson, 21 July 1835. 

H. B. Watson, 5 Oct. 1836. 

L T. Doughty, 26 Sept. 1837. 

W. A. T. Maddox, 14 Oct. 1837. 

W. B. Slack, 28 Jan. 1839. 

J. S. Devlin, 21 Feb. 1839. 

A. S. Taylor, 

W. L. Shuttleworth, 28 Feb. 1839. 

J. W. Curtis, 4 May 1840. 

R.Tansill, 3 Nov. 1840. 



* Those Boatswains, Gunners, Carpenters, and Sailmakers, to whose name an * is 
prefixed, have not been warranted, and are only acting. 



APPENDIX 



403 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

J. C. Grayson, 4 May 1841. 
M. R. Kiiitzing, 8 Sept. 1841. 
J. D. Simms, Y Oct. 1841. 
H. W. Queen, 14 March 1842. 

D. J. Sutherland, 29 March 1842. 
W. W. Russell, Aide-de-Camp to 

the Bv't Brig. Gen. Comd't, 5 
April 1843. 

Second Lieutenants. (21) 

John C. Cash, 14 March 1845. 
G. Adams, 19 March 1845. 
James H. Jones, 3 March 1847. 

E. McD. Reynolds, 

W. Butterfield, " 



Name, and Date of Entry. 

T. Y. Field, 3 March 1847. 
C. G. McCawley, " 

I. Green, " 

F. Norvell, " 
J. Read, " 

C. A. Henderson, 16 March 1847. 
A. S. Nicholson, " 

G. F. Lindsay, jr., " 
James Wiley, 9 June 1847. 
G. R. Graham, 27 July 1847. 
J. R. F. Tattnall, 3 Nov. 1847. 
A. J. Hays, 4 Dec. 1847. 

J. L. Broome, 12 Jan. 1848. 
W. S. Boyd, 

J. H. Strickland, 22 March 1848. 
George Holmes, 3 March 1849. 



* NAVY AGENTS. (14) 

C. W. Cutter, Portsmouth, N. H. B. D. Wright, Pensacola, Fa. 



I. H. Wrio;ht, Boston. 

W. H. Le Roy, New York. 

W. Sloanaker, Philadelphia. 

W. Hindman, Baltimore. 

J. H. Lathrop, Washington, D. C. 

F. Mallory, Norfolk, Va. 

B. D. Heriot, Charleston, S. C. 



E. 0. Perrin, Memphis, Tenn. 
J. Wilson, San Francisco, Cal. 

Temporary/. 

Baring, Brothers & Co., London. 
E. McCall & Co., Lima, Peru. 



NAVAL STOREKEEPERS. 



J. Rice, Portsmouth, N. H. 

N. W. Coffin, Boston. 

H. Fuller, New York. 

A. Diller, Philadelphia. 

T. Woodward, Washington, D. C. 

J. G. Hatton, Norfolk, Va. 



R. Joyner, Pensacola, Fa. 
J. C. Allen, Memphis, Tenn. 
B. S. Hines, San Francisco, Cal. 
R. P. Desilver, Macao, E. I. 
W. L. Long, Spezzia, Sardinia. 



* Navy Agents receive one per cent, on their expenditures, and not to exceed two 
thousand dollars per annum. 



404: 



APPENDIX. 



SHIPS OF THE LINE. 



Name. 


Rate. 


Name. 


Rate, 


Name. 


Rate. 


Pennsylvania, 


120 


Delaware, 


74 


New Orleans, 


74 


Franklin, 


u 


Alabama, 


74 






Columbus, 


74 


Vermont, 


74 


Independence, 


54 


Ohio, 


74 


Virginia, 


74 


(Razee.) 




North Carolina, 


74 


New York, 

FRIGATES, 1st 


74 
Class. 






United States, 


44 


Columbia, 


44 


Raritan, 


44 


Constitution, 


44 


Congress, 


44 


Santee, 


44 


Potomac, 


44 


Cumberland, 


44 


Sabine, 


44 


Brandywine, 


44 


Savannah, 

FRIGATES, 2d 


44 
Class. 


St. Lawrence, 


44 


Constellation, 


36 


Macedonian, 

SLOOPS OF 


36 

"WAR. 






Saratoga, 


20 


St. Louis, 


20 


Albany, 


20 


John Adams, 


20 


Cyane, 


20 


Germantown, 


20 


Vincennes, 


20 


Levant, 


20 


Ontario, 


18 


Warren, 


20 


Portsmouth, 


20 


Decatur, 


16 


Falmouth, 


20 


Plymouth, 


20 


Preble, 


16 


Fail-field, 


20 


St. Mary's, 


20 


Marion, 


16 


Vandalia, 


20 


Jamestown, 

BRIGS. 


20 


Dale, 


16 


Dolphin, 


10 


Porpoise, 


10 


Bainbridge, 


10 


Perry, 


10 











Wave, 



SCHOONERS. 

1 Phenix, 2 Petrel, 



STEAMERS. 



Steam Frigates. 
Mississippi, 10 Susquehanna, 9 Powhatan, 

San Jacinto, 6 Sarauac, 6 



Name. 



Fulton, 



Union, 
Vixen, 



APPENDIX. 

Rate. Name. Rate. Name. 

1st Class. 
Michigan, l Alleghany, 

Less than 1st Class, 

Water Witch, 2 General Taylor, 

3 Massachusetts, Engineer, 

John Hancock. 



405 

Rate. 



Rehef, 
Lexington, 



STORE SHIPS AND BRIGS. 



6 Southampton, 
6 Supply, 



4 Fredonia, 
4 



406 APPENDIX, 



AN ACT 
To Regulate the Pay of the Navy of the United States. 

Sec. 1. £e it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after 
the passage of this act the annual pay of the officers of the Navy of the 
United States shall be as follows : 

TO SENIOR CAPTAINS. 

At all times when in service, four thousand five hundred dollars. 
When on leave of absence, or waiting orders, three thousand five hun- 
di"ed dollars. 

ALL OTHER CAPTAINS. 

When in command of stations or foreign squadrons, four thousand 
dollars. 

When on other duty, three thousand five hundred dollars. 
When off duty, two thousand five hundred dollars. 

COMMANDERS, OR MASTERS COMMANDANT. 

When attached to vessels for sea service, two thousand five hundred 
dollars. 

When attached to navy yards, or on other duty, two thousand one hun- 
dred dollars. 

When on leave of absence, or waiting orders, one thousand eight hun- 
dred dollars. 

LIEUTENANTS. 

Commanding, one thousand eight hundred dollars. 
On other duty, one thousand five hundred dollars. 
Waiting orders, one thousand two hundred dollars. 

ASSISTANT SURGEONS. 

Waiting orders, six hundred and fifty dollars. 
At sea, nine hundred and fifty dollars. 



APPENDIX 



407 



After passing and found qualified for promotion to surgeon, eight hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. 

At sea, one thousand two hundred dollai-s. 

When stationed at navy yards, hospitals, rendezvous, and receiving 
ships, nine hundred and fifty dollars. 

After being passed and stationed as above, one thousand one hundred 
and fifty dollars. 

SURGEONS. 

For the first five years after the date of his commission, one thousand 
dollars. 

For the second five years, one thousand two hundred dollars. 

For the third five years, one thousand four hundred dollars. 

For the fourth five years, one thousand six hundred dollars. 

After he shall have been commissioned as a surgeon twenty years and 
upwards, one thousand eight hundred dollars. 

All surgeons of the navy under orders for duty, at navy yards, receiving 
vessels, rendezvous, or naval hospitals, shall have an increase of one fourth 
of the foregoing amount of their respective annual pay, from the date of 
their acceptance of such ordere. 

All surgeons of the navy ordered to any of the ships or vessels of the 
United States corainissioned for sea service, shall have an inci'ease of one 
third of the foregoing amount of their respective annual pay, from the date 
of their acceptance of such orders. 

All surgeons of the navy, ordered as fleet surgeons, shall have an 
increase of one half of their respective annual pay, from the date of their 
acceptance of such orders. 

CHAPLAINS. 

When attached to vessels for sea service, or at na\7 yards, one thousand 
two hundred dollars. 

When on leave of absence, or waiting orders, eight hundred dollars. 

PROFESSORS OF MATHEMATICS. 

When attached to vessels for sea service, or in a yard, one thousand 
two hundred dollars. 

SECRETARIES. 

To commanders of squadrons, when commanding in chief, one thousand 
dollars. 

To commanders of squadrons, when not commanding in chief, nine hun- 
dred dollars. 



408 APPENDIX. 



SAILING MASTERS. 

Of a ship of the line, for sea service, one thousand one hundred dollars. 
When on other duty, one thousand dollars. 

When on leave of absence, or waiting orders, seven hundred and fifty 
dollars. 

SECOND MASTERS. 

When attached to vessels for sea service, seven hundred and fifty dol- 
lar. 

When on other duty, five hundred dollars. 

When on leave of absence, or waiting orders, four hundred dollars. 



PASSED MIDSHIPMEN. 

On duty, seven hundred and fifty dollai-s. 
Waiting orders, six hundred dollars. 



WARRANTED MASTER S MATES. 

When attached to vessels for sea service, or at navy yards, four hundred 
and fifty dollars. 

When on leave of absence, or waiting orders, three hundred dollars. 

MIDSHIPMEN. 

When attached to vessels for sea service, four hundred dollare. 

When on other duty, three hundred and fifty dollars. 

When on leave of absence, or waiting orders, three hundred dollare. 



CLERKS. 

Of a yard, nine hundred dollars. 

First clerk to a commandant of a navy yard, nine hundred dollars. 

Second clerk to a commandant of a navy yard, seven hundi'ed and fifty 
doUai-s. 

To commanders of squadrons, captains of fleets, and commanders of 
vessels, five hundred dollars. 



FINIS, 



LE D '09 



